Sarah Huckabee Sanders demands the media stop trying to identify the 'gutless loser' who wrote the New York Times op-ed


White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders is demanding that the media stop trying to guess who wrote the bombshell New York Times op-ed describing an internal resistance within the Trump administration.
In a new statement released Thursday, Sanders criticized what she called "the media's wild obsession with the identity of the anonymous coward" who wrote Wednesday's stunning piece, saying that this speculation is "recklessly tarnishing" the reputation of everyone who works for the president. She also called the unidentified author a "gutless loser" and posted the number of The New York Times' opinion desk, encouraging people who want to know who wrote the piece to call the paper's editors, who she says are "complicit in a deceitful act."
But it's reportedly not just journalists who have been trying to figure out who wrote the op-ed. The Washington Post has reported that in the hours following the article's publication, the Trump administration "launched a frantic hunt for the author." President Trump apparently has some guesses of his own, believing that whoever wrote it works either on national security issues or in the Justice Department. Several administration officials have already denied responsibility, including Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sanders previously called on the "coward" responsible for the article to resign, while Trump himself suggested the person committed treason and that The New York Times must turn them over, although he also floated the idea that the article might not even be legitimate at all.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
5 jumbo-sized political cartoons about Qatar's 'gift' to Trump
Cartoons Editorial cartoons feature artists' takes on Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East.
-
Broccoli and cashew stir-fry recipe
The Week Recommends This nutty dish is a satisfying vegetarian option
-
The UK-US trade deal: what was agreed?
In Depth Keir Starmer's calm handling of Donald Trump paid off, but deal remains more of a 'damage limitation exercise' than 'an unbridled triumph'
-
Laurence Fox suspended by GB News after 'unacceptable' Ava Evans comments
Speed Read Broadcaster issues apology after actor goes on a tirade during a live interview with Dan Wootton
-
Fox News apologizes to Gold Star family for false story Marine Corps called 'disgusting'
Speed Read
-
Tucker Carlson Tonight is being replaced by Fox News Tonight
Speed Read
-
Judge delays Fox News-Dominion defamation trial start, reportedly to allow settlement talks
Speed Read
-
Judge orders Dominion lawsuit against Fox News to go to trial
Speed Read
-
Fox News seeks gag order for producer who claims she was coerced to mislead in Dominion deposition
Speed Read
-
Lawsuit documents: After 2020 election, Tucker Carlson said he hates Trump 'passionately'
Speed Read
-
Rupert Murdoch gave Jared Kushner 'confidential information' on Biden ads, debate strategy, Dominion says
Speed Read