U.S. President Donald Trump said people who leak sensitive military information to the news media should face prison or execution. He made the remarks during a campaign rally in Arizona on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Trump referred to the American bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. He claimed that someone had disclosed details of the operation before U.S. aircraft carried out the attack.
“They ought to go to jail or be shot,” Trump said.
His remarks came during a rally in Bullhead City ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Trump Claims Military Plans Were Leaked Before Iran Attack
Trump described the B-2 stealth bombers that participated in the American strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.
He said the aircraft carried powerful bombs and departed from Missouri as part of the operation.
According to Trump, someone revealed the timing of the planned attack to news organizations, including The New York Times and CNN.
He claimed the disclosure forced him to delay the mission for two days.
However, Trump did not provide independent evidence that a media leak had caused military officials to change their plans.
During the rally, he repeated his position that people responsible for disclosing sensitive military information deserve severe punishment.
“In my opinion, leakers should be shot,” Trump said.
He also criticized journalists who publish information obtained from government sources.
The president’s statements renewed questions about his administration’s approach to national security leaks and press freedom.
Trump Has Previously Called for Harsh Punishment of Leakers
Trump has repeatedly criticized officials who disclose internal government information to journalists.
During his first presidency, he promised to identify people who leaked details about his administration.
Former White House official Alyssa Farah Griffin previously said Trump had discussed executing government employees who leaked information during meetings.
His latest comments also follow renewed attention to the federal death penalty.
Earlier this month, Trump approved the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, the former Army psychiatrist convicted of killing 13 people at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009.
Authorities have scheduled Hasan’s execution by firing squad for December 3.
The administration has also discussed broadcasting the execution live, although Trump later indicated that the final decision could change.
The president’s latest remarks come as his administration continues to confront disputes over classified information, national security and the role of the American news media.
