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Signal Grows in Popularity Among Trump Allies and Opponents Alike

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Signal, the end-to-end encrypted messaging app, has seen a surge in popularity, becoming the app of choice for a wide range of users, from Elon Musk’s government restructuring team to protesters opposing his initiatives. Known for its commitment to privacy, Signal offers secure communication, attracting both privacy-conscious individuals and those with more contentious political agendas.

Widespread Adoption Across Political and Government Spheres

Signal, founded over a decade ago, has emerged as the gold standard for encrypted communication. Mobile security experts widely consider it the safest platform for private conversations. The app’s adoption has been rapid, especially among government officials, lawmakers, and corporate leaders who seek to protect their sensitive discussions. Data from Sensor Tower shows that U.S. downloads of Signal in early 2025 were up 16% from the previous quarter and 25% compared to the same period in 2024.

In Washington, D.C., the app has become ubiquitous. Many congressional aides and political appointees now use Signal, with the phrase “Let’s take this to Signal” signaling that the conversation is about to turn private. A review by the Associated Press found that more than 1,100 government officials across all 50 states are now using the app.

Signal’s Role in Elon Musk’s Government Efforts and Opposition Movements

Musk’s efforts to overhaul the federal bureaucracy, particularly through his Department of Government Efficiency, have been coordinated via Signal, according to reports from the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Musk himself has used the app for confidential discussions, including communications surrounding his 2022 purchase of Twitter. Recently, he used Signal to speak with Ashley St. Clair, a right-wing social media personality and mother of his children.

On the other side of the political spectrum, Signal has become a key tool for those opposing Trump’s agenda. Civil service whistleblowers, in particular, have turned to the app to avoid surveillance from Trump appointees. Three employees recently fired by the administration shared with Reuters that their colleagues are rapidly downloading the app to discuss sensitive matters without fear of government monitoring.

Government and Corporate Endorsement of Signal

Some governments have formally endorsed the use of Signal for secure communication. In 2020, the European Commission encouraged its staff to use the app for public instant messaging. While the U.S. government has not issued such explicit guidance, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommended that senior government officials switch to encrypted communication apps like Signal in a guidance published late last year. The U.S. Senate has also approved the app for use by legislative staff.

Signal’s Privacy and Its Risks

The appeal of Signal is its privacy protections, which the company claims gather only the bare minimum amount of user data. However, these same protections have made the app attractive to individuals with less-than-lawful intentions. Criminals, including drug dealers, have increasingly used Signal for illicit communications, as noted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in a 2022 report. Furthermore, the rioters involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack also used Signal to coordinate their efforts, according to court filings.

Conclusion

Signal’s rise in popularity across both political and social movements highlights the growing demand for secure, encrypted communication. From the Trump administration’s reshaping of government agencies to protests against his policies, Signal is playing a central role in facilitating private conversations. As concerns over privacy and surveillance continue to rise, the app’s importance is likely to keep growing in both political and criminal circles.

Engineers Behind Musk’s Efforts to Reshape U.S. Government Infrastructure

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Elon Musk is reportedly relying on a group of young engineers with limited government experience to support his ambitious reshaping of U.S. federal government infrastructure. Here are details on three key figures playing a significant role in this transformation:

Gavin Kliger
Gavin Kliger, a former senior software engineer at AI startup Databrinks, has been serving as a “Special Advisor to the Director” at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) since January 2024. He graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 2020 with a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, boasting an impressive GPA of 3.95. Kliger has previously worked at Twitter and is known for his writings on Substack, where he has published essays on topics such as political figures like Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth. His writings echo some of the same themes Musk is known for, particularly around challenging entrenched power structures. Kliger has remained active on social media, reposting Musk’s statements and aligning himself with Musk’s tech-driven goals, including promoting the idea of transforming government efficiency.

Luke Farritor
Luke Farritor, a former intern at SpaceX, where he contributed to the development of software for fueling rockets, has a background in computer science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Farritor is a Thiel Fellow, having received $100,000 to focus on a project involving ancient Greek scrolls. His deep ties to the tech world, particularly Musk’s ventures, extend to his role as an executive engineer in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Farritor has also gained access to USAID systems and has been involved in efforts to integrate Musk’s technology into federal systems, including requests for access to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ payment systems. His growing influence in government tech initiatives signals his role in Musk’s push for modernization.

Edward Coristine
Edward Coristine, a young tech entrepreneur with a brief tenure at Musk’s Neuralink, is listed as an expert at OPM. Coristine, who reportedly graduated from high school and attended Northeastern University, has already founded several tech companies, including one called Tesla.Sexy LLC, and has contributed to Neuralink’s code base. His business ventures are based out of New Canaan, Connecticut, and he has been involved in cutting-edge tech projects. Despite his brief experience, Coristine’s entrepreneurial background and involvement with Musk’s initiatives reflect the kind of fresh, non-traditional talent Musk is bringing to government functions.

Together, these engineers reflect Musk’s strategy of relying on highly skilled, non-governmental experts to drive innovation and shake up bureaucratic processes in the U.S. federal government.

 

The UK and Digital ID: An Outlier Among Developed Nations as Tony Blair Calls for Reform

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The UK remains one of the few developed economies without a national ID card scheme, according to recent research, making it an outlier in a world where most nations have adopted some form of identification system. A study conducted for Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips reveals that out of 38 countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), only six—Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United States, and the UK—do not have a national ID system.

The debate over the introduction of a digital ID has been reignited by former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair. In a recent Daily Mail article, Blair argued that modern technology could help make governing more efficient by addressing issues like lower taxes and improved public services. He called for a “once-in-a-generation disruption,” with digital ID systems as a potential starting point.

During Blair’s tenure, compulsory physical ID cards were a key proposal, but the plan was shelved by the coalition government before it could be implemented. Now, through his Institute for Global Change, Blair has advocated for a digital ID system that could cost £1bn to launch and £100m annually to maintain. However, he suggests the system could save the UK Treasury up to £2bn per year, as well as boost GDP by 3%, according to a 2019 McKinsey analysis.

Despite the potential benefits, digital IDs have faced criticism for posing risks to civil liberties and paving the way for a surveillance state. Countries around the world vary in their approach to ID cards, with most OECD nations making them optional. However, countries like Chile, Luxembourg, and Turkey have made carrying an ID card mandatory. In the last decade, countries such as Norway, Hungary, Denmark, Japan, and Lithuania have introduced mandatory ID cards, signaling a growing trend toward digital identity systems.

The UK government’s stance on digital IDs remains unclear. While Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds initially suggested that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper would explore advice on the matter, this was quickly reversed. Currently, the UK is considering legislation to allow the creation of digital identities that would be optional and not tied to a mandatory national ID system. These digital records could include details like biometrics and addresses, but would remain voluntary.

Australia has already begun rolling out a similar system, despite concerns over privacy and safeguarding. The discussion around digital IDs continues to evolve, and on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, the topic will be further explored with input from figures such as Border Security Minister Angela Eagle, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, and journalist Anne Applebaum.