"At a rally in Arizona, the president dramatically escalated his attacks on news gathering and those willing to speak to the press."
"President Trump said on Wednesday that government sources who reveal information about military plans should be shot, during a grievance-filled speech at a political rally in Arizona.
“In my opinion, leakers should be shot,” Mr. Trump said, prompting applause from the gathered crowd in Bullhead City. “In the old days we used to shoot leakers, you know?”
Even for a president known for his lack of tolerance for those willing to express dissent or question his power, Mr. Trump’s endorsement of having government sources shot marked an extraordinary escalation of his attacks on news gathering and those willing to speak to the press.
It was unclear which military operation Mr. Trump was referring to, although he appeared to be describing the bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities last year."
Zolan Kanno-Youngs reports for the New York Times Oct. 14, 2026.
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