Article content continued

Trump is not wrong to insist the leaks must stop, or to suggest that consequences are in order for the officials who persist in handing over sensitive information to the press

If this fact was at all in doubt, this week’s events in Britain put it to rest. After the horrific suicide-bombing of a teen pop concert in Manchester, British police and intelligence agencies began sharing the results of their investigation with their allies in Washington (and presumably with the intelligence and police services of other close allies, including Canada). The results of these agencies’ efforts began appearing in American news publications in something close to real-time. The information was apparently leaked by U.S. officials to members of the domestic press.

Consider it: While an ally was scrambling to protect its public from further attacks (Britain remains on critical alert, with troops deployed to its major cities), U.S. officials were leaking the information as it rolled in. The investigation into the Manchester atrocity continues. The lives of the officers carrying out raids and executing warrants are in danger, to say nothing of the millions of citizens who continue to go about their daily lives. The leak of sensitive information shared between intelligence agencies is more than just a breach of etiquette; it directly compromises the interests of an allied nation fighting to protect more innocent people from being maimed and murdered. British officials were right to protest, and the Trump administration was right to promise to get to the bottom of it.

While Britain scrambled to protect its public from further attacks, U.S. officials were leaking the information as it rolled in

It’s true that the Trump administration remains beset by far too many scandals and mysteries. It’s true that there are numerous questions about top officials’ dealings with Russia or other interests that must be answered. It’s also true that a powerful mix of news reporting (some valuable, some reckless) and leaking (ditto) have played a critical role in getting the president to concede to calls for an investigation.

So here we are. An investigation has been ordered. A special counsel has been appointed. Subpoenas are being issued. Witnesses are being called. In short, there are now proper channels through which damning information and shocking revelations can and should come to light. If the leakers in the U.S. government were merely concerned that poor conduct might go unscrutinized, they’ve won their battle. But if they’re now leaking simply for the thrill of it, they do not deserve the world’s encouragement. They deserve to feel the full force of American law.

National Post