Oops, We Texted a War Plan to the Press (with Ruth Marcus)
Mar 27, 2025
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Ruth Marcus, a former Washington Post columnist known for her sharp political insights, joins to discuss an astonishing blunder in the Trump administration involving leaked war plans. She delves into the challenges of journalistic ethics, particularly when handling sensitive information. Marcus reflects on her recent resignation and the chaotic dynamics within the DOJ. The conversation also tackles the ongoing attacks on the judiciary and emphasizes the importance of due process and integrity amidst today's turbulent political landscape.
Ruth Marcus discusses the chaotic communication breakdown within the Trump administration, exemplified by accidentally texting war plans to a journalist.
The podcast highlights the ethical dilemmas journalists face regarding classified information, emphasizing the lack of a formal code for handling such disclosures.
Marcus reflects on the demoralizing atmosphere within the DOJ, where career staff are increasingly distressed by political pressures impacting their work.
Deep dives
Concerns Over Journalistic Integrity
Ruth Marcus, a former editor at The Washington Post, expresses her concerns about the declining standards within the opinion section at the paper, which ultimately led to her resignation after almost 40 years. She highlights that journalists are often at odds with government actions, particularly during the Trump administration, where an incident involving a military text chat exemplified this tension. This incident reflects a broader issue of journalistic integrity and the ethical responsibilities of reporters in navigating sensitive information. Marcus suggests that while journalists have a duty to report responsibly, they must also contend with the administration's hostile stance toward the press.
Trump Administration's Communication Failures
The podcast discusses a specific incident where the Trump administration mistakenly included a journalist in a chat concerning military plans, underscoring a significant communication breakdown. Ruth Marcus points out that this blunder illustrates the broader disorganization within an administration that often struggles to present coherent narratives. The conversation emphasizes how such lapses indicate a lack of readiness for governance, highlighting the challenges journalists face in obtaining accurate information. This administrative chaos further complicates the relationship between the press and federal institutions.
The Ethics of Reporting Classified Information
During the episode, the conversation shifts to the ethical implications surrounding the handling of classified information, particularly when it involves inadvertent disclosures to journalists. Ruth Marcus asserts that there is no formal code guiding journalists on how to respond to such incidents, posing a dilemma faced by responsible journalists like Jeffrey Goldberg. She argues that withholding sensitive information is often a journalist's ethical obligation, especially concerning national security, yet highlights that there is no prohibition against publishing classified information per se. This dichotomy demonstrates the complex navigational challenges journalists face in their profession.
Mood Within the Department of Justice
The discussion frames the current atmosphere within the Department of Justice (DOJ) as beleaguered and demoralized, particularly among career staff facing political pressure. Ruth Marcus notes that while some personnel continue their work without interference, many experienced prosecutors feel distressed by the administration's actions and the political climate. This sense of unease is particularly pronounced among those dealing with highly sensitive cases, as they find themselves caught between their professional responsibilities and the torrent of political pressures. Such a climate threatens the integrity of judicial processes and raises concerns about the future of the department's independence.
Consequences of Trump's Political Tactics
The podcast explores how Trump’s approach to politics—marked by aggression and lack of shame—may ultimately undermine not just his adversaries but the structure of American governance itself. Ruth Marcus highlights Trump’s tendency to challenge conventional norms and how his actions may resonate with followers while creating a broader threat to political accountability. His ability to manipulate perceptions and maintain loyalty through intimidation or by granting second chances illustrates a profound shift in the political landscape. This dynamic raises questions about the long-term implications for American democracy and the viability of established judicial and political norms.
What is a journalist to do when senior White House officials accidentally send them imminent war plans?
That’s just one of the surreal current events Ruth Marcus unpacks in this week’s episode. The former Washington Post columnist and editor recently stepped down after nearly four decades at the paper, making headlines with her high-profile resignation.
She joins Preet to discuss the chaos unfolding inside the Trump administration—from the mood inside DOJ to the president’s escalating assault on the judiciary. Marcus also shares her insights on knowing when it’s time to walk away from a job you’ve loved.
For show notes and a transcript of the episode head to: https://cafe.com/stay-tuned/oops-we-texted-a-war-plan-to-the-press-with-ruth-marcus/
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Stay Tuned with Preet is brought to you by CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
