Donald Trump Accuses New York Times of Foiling Attempt to Kill ISIS Leader
President Donald Trump spent his Saturday morning posting a series of tweets ranging from healthcare to the New York Times possibly foiling an attempt to kill a member of ISIS.
The President said the newspaper has a “sick agenda” and referenced ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who has been suspected to be dead for months.
“The Failing New York Times foiled U.S. attempt to kill the single most wanted terrorist, —Al-Baghdadi.Their sick agenda over National Security,” Trump tweeted.
On Friday, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis also casted doubt on al-Baghdadi’s death, saying that he believes the terror leader is still alive, The Hill reported.
The Failing New York Times foiled U.S. attempt to kill the single most wanted terrorist,Al-Baghdadi.Their sick agenda over National Security
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 22, 2017
“I think Baghdadi’s alive,” Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon, according to The Hill. “Until I see his body, I am going to assume he is alive.”
It is unclear what story or report Trump was referring to. TIME has reached out to the Times for a comment, but did not receive an immediate response.
Politico reporter Hadas Gold tweeted that the Times has asked the White House to clarify the tweet.
NYT has asked WH to clarify Trump's tweet https://t.co/r5OyWKfUPG pic.twitter.com/efb2uxr8ve
— Hadas Gold (@Hadas_Gold) July 22, 2017
