POTUS and FLOTUS visit al Assad airbase in Iraq. The otherwise positive event, has the MSM up in arms. Newsweek is aghast that Trump tweeted a very professionally edited video after leaving the base, that maybe put what might be Special Forces at risk.

Donald Trump and the White House communications team revealed that a U.S. Navy SEAL team was deployed to Iraq…. JAMES LAPORTA ON 12/26/18 AT 6:13 PM

Say WHAT?! We have Special Forces and SEAL teams in Iraq? The same Iraq that is next to Syria? The Syria where we are pulling out after helping the Kurds hunt and terminate ISIS? I’m shocked!! I can’t believe that we have highly trained experts operating in an area that is littered with pockets of wanna be terrorists.

We have SEALS in IRAQ? OHMIGOSH! Who knew? ~ Said no one. Ever. Only an idiot would think we aren’t using the base & proximity to our advantage (Newsweek take note. Nobody is surprised).

Only One Published Piece Has Possible OPSEC Issues (Newsweek)

Trump’s tweet, can be found in an excellent post written by Nina Bookout. When you read it, I dare you to find where exactly POTUS implies, or states that any of the people are SEALs or SF. I’ve watched it a couple times, and it’s a production worthy post. One that highlights the love these service members have for their CIC. Nobody is shirking the cameras, and there were plenty of cameras. Getty, API, all the professionals were there snapping away during the event.

The only photo that lists anyone specifically by name is in Newsweek, where they name the “SEAL team chaplain” (I use quotes, because it’s unconfirmed). The shared picture of Trump is being taken with a personal cell phone. Looks to me like the “Navy SEAL” wanted a picture with POTUS. I bet if you #TRUMP you will see many “glorious pictures” of service members with Trump.

Poor Reporting Still Gets My Byline!

Why, with a room full of reporters and cameras is Trump the only one getting flack? The author of the “Breaking” news was a Marine. His bio states he served in actual war zones, so should know the difference between OPSEC, PERSEC, and BS. I call BS. Unfortunately Mr. LaPorta has paused his twitter account. So he can’t respond to what is certain to be a day full of uncomfortable questions.

This Twitter account will remain inactive until later today December 27, 2018. Until then…… pic.twitter.com/D2RcYWs9Cy — James LaPorta (@JimLaPorta) December 27, 2018

The video is a group of guys parading out in some NVG’s and a bit of gear. It does not make them SEALs. Maybe at a COMIC CON, or on a liberal talk show it’s enough. But in reality, that’s not how it works. They can be on routine patrol. They may be working personal security detail for POTUS.

The ONLY one who is stating their affiliation is the guy who was a Marine. The guy who should know better than to call attention to anything that may further jeopardize the mission and those who are tasked with its success. Special Operators or not, they all have a job.

By starting this unsubstantiated narrative, James LaPorta is enhancing the potential danger to the guys in the video. The every ISIS wannabe living in a dirt hole is going to be gunning for these guys. All because someone wanted a story, more than he want to remember that “Semper Fi” doesn’t mean “always faithful to oneself.”

Whatta’bout….

The next news cycle will be filled with people bringing up Creepy Uncle Joe Biden

“publicly revealed the identity of the special-operations unit responsible for bin Laden’s killing. His reckless action put at risk the lives of every member of SEAL Team 6. The Taliban and other jihadists eager to avenge bin Laden now knew which unit to target. Stunned and shocked, SEAL members immediately realized they were going to be hunted by al Qaeda sympathizers.” – The Washington Times – Friday, June 7, 2013

There will also be reminders that presidents and their minions perpetually oust covert operators. Scooter Libby went to jail for the fallout from the Valerie Plame incident.

Here’s the big difference people. Biden and Libby actually did oust covert operators. They literally said “this person is a special operator….” Trump posted a video that was given to him by staffers. The pictures on it show that there were A LOT of photo journalist’s present. Press who took the pictures during the dog and pony show of supposed SEALs in their gear.

Double Standards, Same Images

Many of the photographs are service members at al-Asad air base. Some of them may be covert operators. Most are not. The AP/Getty/API are not held to the standard they hold POTUS. His twitter shows exactly the same thing as the photo journalists. Less to be honest. Nowhere does he state that there are special operators on the base. Nor does he imply they are SEALs. This was done by the Free Press, and a journalist looking to expand his portfolio.

Trump is guilty of many terrible tweets. But this one is neither terrible nor in violation of OPSEC/PERSEC. The entire issue is a non-issue, and the author may find himself wishing for some covert abilities once the reality of his outrageous claim sets in.

Featured Image Credit: Gerd Altamann License Under CCO 1.0 (CCo 1.0) Public Domain Dedication