Picture this: America’s top national security officials are coordinating a high-stakes military operation… over Signal. Encrypted, yes—but also outside official systems. And in the chaos, a journalist is accidentally added to the group chat.

It sounds like fiction. But it happened.

In this episode of Midweek Sitrep, host Jerry Fowler uses the Signal chat controversy as a launchpad to explain how America classifies secrets, who gets clearances, and why secure communication is more important (and fragile) than ever.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What “classified” really means—and the 3 levels of classification
• Who can classify or declassify information (including the President)
• How security clearances work—and why “need to know” is just as important
• What critics say the Signal chat may have violated—and how the Trump team is defending it
• Real-world lessons for companies: how to handle sensitive communications before they become headlines
• Why the biggest threats to national security don’t always come from enemy agents—they come from within

As always, Jerry also covers the week’s national security developments that should be on your radar in business, law, compliance, and geopolitics.

Whether you’re a policy professional, legal analyst, compliance officer, or just national security curious—this episode will leave you smarter than when you pressed play.

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Everything is National Security

About the Host: Jerry Fowler

Jerry Fowler is an attorney and policy professional specializing in the intersection of business, law, and national security. He works with companies and their counsel to meet and exceed compliance obligations while navigating the complex national security regulatory landscape.

Jerry leads the CFIUS and National Security practice at a global risk consultancy where he applies his experience in export controls, sanctions, and U.S. national security regulatory regimes to advise clients on evaluating and mitigating global trade risk.

His experience spans over a decade across many capacities in state and federal government, including as a West Virginia Assistant Attorney General, federal attorney, and as a contract member of the U.S. Department of Defense’s CFIUS team. He also serves in the Army National Guard as a Judge Advocate (Army lawyer).

He received his Master of Laws degree in National Security and Cybersecurity Law from the George Washington University Law School and his Juris Doctor degree from the West Virginia University College of Law. He also obtained his Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Florida, Warrington College of Business and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Concord University. He holds an Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP) certification and is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia and West Virginia.

Disclaimers:
The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content discussed.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any government agency, the U.S. military, or any employer, organization, or entity with which we are affiliated.

Mention of any company, product, or service in this podcast does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Any references are for informational purposes only.

This podcast does not disclose any classified, proprietary, or confidential information. Discussions are based on publicly available information and personal expertise.