Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) didn’t hold back when confronted by a young man questioning the Trump administration’s handling of national security. The tense exchange, caught on video and now spreading fast online, reflects growing concerns over a classified Signal group chat that may have revealed U.S. military plans.
The man, who has not been publicly identified, approached Burchett near the U.S. Capitol earlier this week, asking, “Do you trust Trump’s national security team to keep our war plans top secret?”
Burchett, hands in pockets and visibly annoyed, fired back with sarcasm:
“Do you trust your mother every night to fix your Hot Pockets and make sure your Game Boy is turned on?”
The man paused, stunned, and backed away—ending the encounter. But the moment didn’t stay quiet for long.
Burchett shared the clip on X, formerly known as Twitter, claiming the man is a “stalker/tracker” who “almost got me yesterday.” It wasn’t the first time the same individual confronted him. In a separate video filmed days earlier, the same question was asked—and Burchett responded with another zinger:
“I do, but I do not trust your wardrobe advisor.”
My stalker/tracker almost got me yesterday. pic.twitter.com/zDT3355nt5
— Tim Burchett (@timburchett) March 28, 2025
“Signal-gate” Sparks Firestorm
These viral exchanges are unfolding against a deeply troubling backdrop. According to The Atlantic, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz mistakenly added editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg to a Signal chat where top Trump officials—including Waltz, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard—allegedly discussed plans to bomb Yemen.
Democratic lawmakers wasted no time responding.
“This is not a meme. This is national security,” said Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a combat veteran.
“Someone needs to be held accountable. That means resignations—immediately,” added Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined a growing list of Democrats demanding action.
“If this report is accurate, Michael Waltz and Pete Hegseth must step down. The American people deserve competence, not chaos,” Jeffries said in a statement.
Burchett Leans In—Online
Despite the backlash, Burchett seems to be relishing the attention. He reposted the clip with the caption:
“I guess he found out, Brother.”
I guess he found out Brother. https://t.co/MpqDbWfK6q
— Tim Burchett (@timburchett) March 29, 2025
He even shared a meme featuring the acronym “FAFO” (short for “f*** around and find out”), a popular phrase on right-wing social media.
Critics say Burchett’s dismissive tone and social media antics show just how unserious some GOP lawmakers are about real national security threats.
But Burchett isn’t backing down.
“I’m not going to be intimidated by some clout-chaser with a phone,” he told The Knoxville News Sentinel in a follow-up. “The left can scream all they want, but I trust this administration to do what’s right.”
Growing Alarm Across the Aisle
Still, the issue has Democrats—and some independents—deeply worried. The idea that war planning might be circulating in unsecured chats, even inadvertently, is setting off alarms across Washington.
“This goes beyond partisanship,” said Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA). “If true, this breach could put lives at risk and undermine our military strategy.”
As the Pentagon remains silent and the administration refuses to comment, pressure is building for a full investigation.
In the meantime, Burchett is busy racking up likes.
The question now: how many more Signal leaks—and snarky comebacks—before Americans get the answers they deserve?
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What's Up Team
Typical MAGA response. Idiot.
The American reporter who accidently got the private report kept it quiet from the Youthis until too late so there was no bad result and this whole matter is a NOTHINGBURGER… but desperate Democrats are desperate to blow up nothing into something… they should report their concerns to Trump’s new Dept. of Imaginary Concerns…
I sure don’t remember any of the same Democrats demanding theresignations of the people responsible for the fiasco at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan. Let’s see, 13 service members killed, scores more wounded. They bombed the house that they thought the Isis commander lived in and it turned out to be somebody that worked for the UN. Let’s not forget all the people that fell off the airplanes at that airport. By the way, the attack on the Houthi’s was a large success. Yes these are the same Houtis yes that Biden took off the terrorism list. And it’s important to know how concerned that Senator Schiff and representative Slowell (fang fangs’ boyfriend)are worried. Really.
Schiff for brains and SwallowWell…
Growing concerns?? Only from the swamp and the state run media