What Is Signal—and Why Is Trump’s Team Using It?

​Until recently, many Americans hadn’t heard of Signal, the ultra-private messaging app. That changed when it was revealed that Trump’s security team used Signal to coordinate airstrikes in Yemen—and accidentally included a journalist in the chat.

So what is Signal? Who uses it? And is it really that secure?

Signal 101: What Makes It So Private?
Signal is an open-source, encrypted messaging app. It works on Android and iOS devices and lets users send texts, calls, and video chats with end-to-end encryption—meaning only the sender and recipient can see the content. Not even Signal itself can read messages.

Its encryption tech is so effective, Meta (WhatsApp’s parent) and Google have integrated parts of it into their platforms.

Who’s Using Signal?
Everyone from journalists and whistleblowers to activists, tech execs, and now U.S. government officials rely on Signal for private conversations. Even Elon Musk once praised it, though his endorsement accidentally boosted a similarly named company’s stock.

As of 2024, 70 million people actively use Signal, with total downloads crossing 220 million.

Who Owns It—and How Does It Make Money?
Unlike WhatsApp or Telegram, Signal isn’t owned by a big tech firm. It’s run by the Signal Technology Foundation, a nonprofit organization. The foundation is funded mostly through donations and grants, including a $50 million contribution from WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton, who also sits on Signal’s board.

The foundation brought in $35.8 million in revenue in 2023, and all that goes toward keeping the app secure and ad-free.

Is It Really Safe?
By most expert accounts—yes. PCMag rated Signal as the best private messaging app, praising its uncompromising approach to security and the fact that it doesn’t collect user data. That said, like any phone-based system, it’s only as secure as your device. If someone gains access to your phone, they could read your messages.

And no app can stop someone from peeking over your shoulder in public.

Why It’s Controversial for Government Use
While Signal’s security is top-tier, it’s not a government-sanctioned platform for classified information. Cybersecurity experts say it’s great for private citizens, but not a substitute for secure government communications.

The White House has confirmed no classified info was shared in the recent mishap—but the incident sparked concerns about how government officials manage sensitive conversations.

The Bottom Line
Signal is built for privacy. That’s why millions use it, from everyday users to heads of state. But as the Trump administration's blunder shows, tech tools are only as safe as the people using them.

If you're serious about secure communication, Signal is a solid choice—just maybe not for planning military strikes.







​