Trump Threatens Government Leakers

President Donald Trump told a Bullhead City, Arizona, campaign rally that government leakers of sensitive military information “should be shot,” calling them “the scum of the earth.” He said the leaks involved a U.S. operation against Iran, including details on when troops or bombers would leave and arrive, and accused The New York Times and CNN of publishing them. The remarks came as his administration pushes to identify and prosecute leaks, with Defense Secretary Pete HegsethPete HegsethUnited States Secretary of Defense saying a Justice DepartmentDepartment of JusticeUnited States federal executive department task force will target disclosures that risk lives. Trump said leaks can endanger U.S. forces. He described the strike as defensive, and not a new legal order.