The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg is defending the publication’s decision to release a report that alleges President Donald Trump insulted fallen soldiers and predicted more information would come out shortly.
Brian Stelter, the host of CNN’s “Reliable Sources,” asked Goldberg if he has spoken to the anonymous sources involved in the report since it was published and if any of them are considering speaking publicly.
“I would fully expect more reporting to come out about this and more confirmation and new pieces of information in the coming days and weeks,” Goldberg said.
Stelter questioned Goldberg about why he would grant anonymity to sources.
Goldberg explained, “We all have to use anonymous sources,” especially in an environment where Trump tries to “actively intimidate journalism organizations” and those who provide information to journalists.
Watch his comments below:
The Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg stands by his report that Pres. Trump made disparaging remarks about the US fallen dead, saying he expects "more reporting to come out about this and more confirmation and new pieces of information in the coming days and weeks." pic.twitter.com/eez6j0awR8
— Reliable Sources (@ReliableSources) September 6, 2020
Stelter noted the president launched an attack on the publication on Sunday morning on Twitter.
“Steve Jobs would not be happy that his wife is wasting money he left her on a failing Radical Left Magazine that is run by a con man (Goldberg) and spews FAKE NEWS and HATE. Call her, write her, let her know how you feel!!!” Trump said.
Steve Jobs would not be happy that his wife is wasting money he left her on a failing Radical Left Magazine that is run by a con man (Goldberg) and spews FAKE NEWS & HATE. Call her, write her, let her know how you feel!!! https://t.co/wwuoP85bQE
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2020
Stelter asked Goldberg if he interprets Trump’s comments as a “threat.”
Goldberg confirmed he believes it is a “threat,” but said Trump’s comments are not going to stop the publication from reporting on the matter.
“We are not going to be intimidated by the president of the United States. We’re going to do our jobs and I think that is true for a large number of outlets,” Goldberg said.
He continued, “His intense frustration which comes out in these outbursts comes from the fact that unlike dictators in other countries, he cannot simply shut down media outlets that he doesn’t like.”
Trump denied he ever called fallen soldiers “losers” and “suckers,” as IJR previously reported.
