Trump: Journalists must reveal their sources
Donald Trump is considering compelling journalists to reveal the sources of a leaked report on the Iran strike, which indicates that the US attack on Iranian nuclear sites only briefly disrupted Tehran’s nuclear programme. | Today’s Political Cartoon.
Donald Trump has indicated he may compel journalists to disclose sources behind leaked details of a US intelligence report on June’s strikes against Iran, threatening prosecution for non-compliance.
In a Fox News interview, Trump reaffirmed that the airstrikes severely damaged Iran’s nuclear programme, despite an intelligence assessment, leaked to media and lawmakers, suggesting the attacks only caused a temporary setback.
Trump labelled the leaked report as biased and incomplete, criticised Democratic lawmakers and media outlets, and hinted at legal action against CNN and the New York Times, which reported that US intelligence found the strikes’ impact to be limited.
Trump dismissed the press coverage as unpatriotic and called for the prosecution of those responsible for the leaks. Though US constitutional protections generally shield journalists’ sources, Trump has signalled a willingness to challenge these legal norms.
GOING FURTHER
Trump considers forcing journalists to reveal sources who leaked Iran report | THE GUARDIAN
Trump threatens to force journalists to reveal who leaked report undermining his narrative on Iran bombing | THE INDEPENDENT
Trump Threatens to Force Journalists to Reveal Sources Who Leaked Iran Intel Report | ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE
Trump again floats prosecuting those who leaked Iran intelligence report | AXIOS
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