Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Trump's leaky boat
The Trump administration seems very interested in maintaining secrets. Employees sign confidentiality agreements, and warnings against leaking information to the press are often given. This is not unique to this administration, of course: others-- including Obama's-- went to great length to limit leaks of sensitive information. The difference isn't the goal but the outcome. This administration leaks like Heathcliff's boat (all those claws!).
Most recently, details from former National Security Advisor John Bolton's upcoming book have leaked out. The source of the Bolton leak may or may not be in the White House-- it is known that they have had the draft of the book since last year-- but in many other cases, such as the entire recent book published by an anonymous inside WH source, there is no doubt where the leaker is located.
Why is this administration especially leaky? Here are some theories:
1) They have had high turnover, which greatly increases the number of people with information, as well as the number of ex-employees who have more freedom to spill the beans.
2) The culture of this WH (again, like some others) has included competing groups within the circle of confidence. Leaks about internal opponents have long been key weapons.
3) The Trump administration has never been a model of discipline in message.
4) Also, may suspect, some of the leaks are intentional-- a tactic that carries over from the president's prior life as a TV celebrity.
