A Venmo account bearing the name “Michael Waltz,” featuring a profile photo resembling the national security adviser and connected to numerous associates, was publicly accessible until Wednesday afternoon. An investigation by WIRED revealed that the account’s friend list exposed hundreds of names linked to Waltz, including journalists, military personnel, lobbyists, and political figures. Experts warn that this information could be exploited by foreign intelligence agencies.
White House Officials Linked to Venmo Account
Among the linked accounts were those believed to belong to Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff, and Walker Barrett, a National Security Council staffer. Both individuals were also part of the controversial Signal group chat named “Houthi PC small group,” where sensitive military discussions reportedly took place.
Following WIRED’s inquiries, the accounts belonging to Waltz and Wiles were swiftly set to private. The White House declined to comment on the findings.
Signal Chat Controversy
The exposure comes after reports from The Atlantic that Waltz had accidentally invited the publication’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, to the encrypted Signal chat. The conversation reportedly included senior officials deliberating on a military strike in Yemen. Despite the Pentagon’s guidelines against using Signal for classified discussions, operational details, including missile targets and strike timings, were shared. Hours later, U.S. forces executed the strike, resulting in at least 53 fatalities.
Broader Pattern of Security Lapses
A detailed analysis by WIRED suggests this Venmo account breach is indicative of a wider pattern of lax security among high-ranking officials. The account associated with Waltz had a public friend list of 328 names, including Micah Thomas Ketchel, Waltz’s former chief of staff and a current senior adviser to both Waltz and President Donald Trump.
Prominent media personalities such as Fox News’s Bret Baier, CNN’s Brianna Keilar, and conspiracy theorist Ivan Raiklin were also among the contacts. Additionally, lawmakers like Texas Representative Dan Crenshaw and executives from defense companies like Anduril were connected. Despite reaching out, neither Fox News nor Anduril responded to requests for comment.
White House Adviser Susie Wiles’ Network
Wiles, one of Trump’s closest advisers, had an extensive Venmo friend list featuring figures like U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and former White House Communications Director Hope Hicks. Though no transactions were visible, the decision not to restrict friend list visibility exposed critical social networks.
Venmo’s Response
Erin Mackey, a Venmo spokesperson, reiterated the platform’s commitment to user privacy, emphasizing that individuals have the option to make their transactions and friend lists private. However, critics argue that Venmo’s design, which defaults to public visibility, continues to pose security risks.
Previous Incidents of Venmo Exposure
This is not the first instance of a Venmo-related security concern. In July 2024, WIRED reported that Vice President JD Vance’s public Venmo account revealed his network, including connections to Project 2025 architects and DOJ officials. Notably, the Michael Waltz account was also found in Vance’s extended network. Vance, too, was part of the controversial Signal chat, where he questioned the Yemen strike’s alignment with Trump’s European policy messaging.
Security Experts Weigh In
Experts emphasize that such public disclosures can become valuable intelligence for adversaries. By analyzing low-profile connections, foreign actors could identify vulnerabilities or pressure points. Michael Ard, a former intelligence analyst, warned that adversaries often exploit unsuspecting acquaintances to breach sensitive information.
“The first concern is counterintelligence and security risks,” Ard said. “It’s a glaring vulnerability that can easily be manipulated.”
Waltz’s National Security Role
Michael Waltz has long been a central figure in the Republican national security sphere. A former Green Beret, he served under Defense Secretaries Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates, later advising Vice President Dick Cheney on counterterrorism. Notably, Waltz was among the lawmakers briefed on the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
Another participant in the Signal chat, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, also maintained a public Venmo account. A previous investigation found his network included defense executives from firms like Palantir and Anduril, as well as former Bush administration officials.
Persistent Privacy Challenges
Despite increasing concerns, Venmo’s default public visibility remains problematic. Privacy advocates argue that its design unnecessarily exposes users to risks. The company only introduced the option to hide friend lists after a 2021 report from BuzzFeed News revealed President Joe Biden’s easily accessible account.
Experts continue to caution government officials against overlooking digital privacy risks. In light of these revelations, stricter security protocols and heightened awareness are urged to prevent further exposure of sensitive information.
