Image Suggests Mike Waltz Uses Signal-like App Capable of Archiving Messages

Former national security adviser Mike Waltz was recently photographed using a messaging app similar to Signal during a Cabinet meeting. This comes over a month after he faced backlash for unintentionally including a journalist in a group chat discussing military strategies.

A Reuters photo displayed Waltz’s smartphone with message threads labeled “JD Vance” and “Gabbard.” Although the app visually resembled Signal, it appears to be TeleMessage, which incorporates some of Signal’s encryption technology while allowing users to archive messages to meet compliance standards. The app prompted users to “verify your TM SGNL PIN,” a phrase that matches terminology found on TeleMessage’s website.

On the following day, President Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Waltz as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations after relieving him from his national security role. This incident raised concerns about the communication methods utilized by Waltz and other Trump administration members, particularly regarding the handling of classified information.

While Signal is recognized for its cybersecurity, it is critical for government officials to follow established protocols for sharing sensitive information. These protocols often require the use of secure intranet systems to mitigate risks associated with mobile devices.

White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly confirmed that Signal is an approved app for government devices but did not comment on TeleMessage. Previously, Signal was used by Waltz and high-ranking officials for discussions, raising questions about security protocols within the administration.

TeleMessage, founded in 1999 and acquired by Smarsh, offers record-keeping solutions, but its effectiveness in addressing security concerns remains unclear. Tom Padgett of Smarsh indicated that TeleMessage is designed for regulatory compliance, but the security implications of its use, particularly in government contexts, are still untested among experts.

Furthermore, Signal’s representatives have distanced themselves from TeleMessage, emphasizing that they had no prior knowledge of the app and cannot vouch for its privacy or security measures.