New report claims Trump 'sidelined' by aides during urgent military talks
A new report has claimed that Donald Trump was temporarily sidelined by his own team during a high-stakes military situation earlier this month, in a move that’s raising eyebrows about tensions inside his administration.
According to reporting from The Wall Street Journal, the former president was allegedly ‘kept out of the room’ during critical discussions in the White House Situation Room.
This occurred after two US pilots were downed when their F-15E jet was shot down over Iran on 3 April.
Donald Trump. Pic: Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
The situation quickly became urgent. While one crew member was located relatively quickly, the second was left injured and stranded, with reports suggesting Iranian forces had placed a bounty on his head.
Behind the scenes, it’s claimed Trump reacted furiously when he learned of the incident, reportedly shouting at aides and expressing frustration at a lack of international support, particularly from European allies.
However, officials handling the rescue operation were said to be concerned that his impatience could complicate decision-making at a critical moment.
Donald Trump. Pic: Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images
As a result, senior figures, including Vice President JD Vance and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, were directly involved in coordinating updates, while Trump was reportedly briefed separately at key intervals.
The report suggests aides were wary of rushing into action, given the risks involved in deploying military forces into Iranian territory, and instead opted for a more measured approach.
Ultimately, the rescue mission was successful. One pilot had already been recovered, while the second, who had taken refuge in a remote mountainous area, was later located and brought to safety on 4 April.
Pic: Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images
In the aftermath, Trump publicly described the airman as being ‘hunted down by our enemies’ before his rescue. But the situation didn’t end there.
The report also highlights concerns among officials about Trump’s public messaging during the crisis, particularly a series of inflammatory posts shared online, including one on Easter Sunday that appeared to threaten Iran in unusually aggressive terms.
According to insiders, some within his administration were unsettled by the tone and timing of the posts, especially given the sensitivity of the situation.
It’s also claimed that advisers have since been encouraging Trump to scale back his real-time commentary on international conflicts, amid fears it could escalate already tense situations.
