Trump Says National Security Leakers Should Be Shot During Arizona Rally
2 hours ago
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that individuals who leak sensitive military information should face severe punishment, including execution, during a campaign rally in Bullhead City, Arizona.
The president made the remarks while discussing the disclosure of classified military information, particularly details involving U.S. operations against Iranian nuclear facilities.
"In my opinion, leakers should be shot," Trump told supporters, adding that individuals who reveal the timing of military attacks could put American service members and national security at risk.
Trump appeared to reference Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 U.S. military operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
The president claimed someone disclosed the departure and arrival times of American military aircraft before the operation, including details about bombers departing from Missouri.
He said the information was reported by The New York Times and CNN and claimed the disclosure forced him to reconsider the timing of the mission.
Trump also described those responsible for leaking sensitive information as the "scum of the earth" and argued they should be punished severely.
The president did not publicly identify the alleged leaker or provide evidence establishing that the reported disclosures forced changes to the military operation.
During his remarks, Trump also criticized members of the news media, accusing some journalists of spreading false information.
The comments came as Trump campaigned for Republican gubernatorial nominee Andy Biggs and other GOP candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
The Trump administration has previously pursued measures aimed at preventing unauthorized disclosures of government information, including tighter restrictions on federal employees.
Trump's latest remarks renewed attention to the administration's approach to national security leaks and the distinction between unauthorized disclosures of classified information and legally protected whistleblowing.
The president made the remarks while discussing the disclosure of classified military information, particularly details involving U.S. operations against Iranian nuclear facilities.
"In my opinion, leakers should be shot," Trump told supporters, adding that individuals who reveal the timing of military attacks could put American service members and national security at risk.
Trump appeared to reference Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 U.S. military operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
The president claimed someone disclosed the departure and arrival times of American military aircraft before the operation, including details about bombers departing from Missouri.
He said the information was reported by The New York Times and CNN and claimed the disclosure forced him to reconsider the timing of the mission.
Trump also described those responsible for leaking sensitive information as the "scum of the earth" and argued they should be punished severely.
The president did not publicly identify the alleged leaker or provide evidence establishing that the reported disclosures forced changes to the military operation.
During his remarks, Trump also criticized members of the news media, accusing some journalists of spreading false information.
The comments came as Trump campaigned for Republican gubernatorial nominee Andy Biggs and other GOP candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
The Trump administration has previously pursued measures aimed at preventing unauthorized disclosures of government information, including tighter restrictions on federal employees.
Trump's latest remarks renewed attention to the administration's approach to national security leaks and the distinction between unauthorized disclosures of classified information and legally protected whistleblowing.
