The Atlantic

Why Leaking Transcripts of Trump's Calls Is So Dangerous

When the president’s opponents violate norms to undermine him, they do lasting damage to American security.
Source: Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

Leaking the transcript of a presidential call to a foreign leader is unprecedented, shocking, and dangerous. It is vitally important that a president be able to speak confidentially—and perhaps even more important that foreign leaders understand that they can reply in confidence.

Thursday’s leak to of President Trump’s calls with the president of Mexico and the prime minister of Australia will reverberate around the world. No leader

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