Signal: Preferred app for Trump allies and opponents

Signal app increasingly popular among Trump’s allies and opponents for secure communications, gaining wide adoption in Washington.

In Short

Elon Musk’s team and protesters both use the Signal messaging app, known for its encryption.

The app has gained popularity among government officials and whistleblowers for secure communication, despite also attracting criminal elements.

Elon Musk’s team and protesters opposing him share a common communication tool: the Signal messaging app.

Signal, established over a decade ago, is renowned for its end-to-end encryption and is favoured by various users, including officials and corporate leaders.

The app gained significant attention following an incident involving senior Trump officials and has seen a surge in downloads, with a 16% increase in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous quarter.

Who runs Signal?

In Washington, many congressional aides and political appointees use Signal, which is operated by the nonprofit Signal Foundation. A recent review noted over 1,100 government officials across all states using the app.

Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency reportedly uses Signal for their operations. Musk himself has previously relied on the app during his Twitter acquisition and for personal communication.

Some governments endorse Signal’s use; for instance, the European Commission instructed its staff to adopt the app in 2020. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have also encouraged the use of encrypted apps without specifically mentioning Signal.

Despite its privacy advantages, Signal has also attracted criminal elements, as noted by the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Whistleblowers and anti-Trump protesters have increasingly turned to Signal to communicate securely. Reports indicate that recent firings have prompted colleagues to download the app for protection against surveillance.