Trump Administration Threatens To Track Down, Prosecute Pentagon Officials Leaking Information To New York Times
Earlier this week, Trump signed an order to reduce funding for the federally backed news outlet Voice of America (VOA), accusing it of being “anti-Trump” and “radical.”Live video streaming services
Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has warned that those leaking false information from the Pentagon to the New York Times will be identified and prosecuted.
His comments come amid escalating tensions between the White House and major media outlets. They follow claims that Musk was set to visit the Pentagon for a briefing on a potential war with China.
The controversy has fuelled concerns over media credibility and government transparency.
“The New York Times is pure propaganda. Also, I look forward to the prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information to NYT. They will be found,” Musk declared.
President Donald Trump also dismissed the report, stating, “The Fake News is at it again, this time the Failing New York Times. They said, incorrectly, that Elon Musk is going to the Pentagon tomorrow to be briefed on any potential ‘war with China.’ How ridiculous?”Live video streaming services
Trump continued, “China will not even be mentioned or discussed. How disgraceful it is that the discredited media can make up such lies. Anyway, the story is completely untrue!!!”
The New York Times is pure propaganda.
Also, I look forward to the prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information to NYT.
They will be found. pic.twitter.com/xANvLMOH5j
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 21, 2025
The controversy over Musk’s alleged Pentagon briefing is the latest in a series of confrontations between the government and the press, with critics warning that targeting journalists and whistleblowers could erode democratic values.
Earlier this week, Trump signed an order to reduce funding for the federally backed news outlet Voice of America (VOA), accusing it of being “anti-Trump” and “radical.”Live video streaming services
A White House statement said the order would “ensure taxpayers are no longer on the hook for radical propaganda”. It included quotes from politicians and right-wing media criticising the broadcaster.
VOA, which remains primarily a radio service, was established during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda. It currently claims to reach hundreds of millions of people worldwide each week.
Mike Abramowitz, VOA’s director, said he and nearly all of the network’s 1,300 staff members had been placed on paid leave.
