How about ‘You’re fired?’ Trump’s response to leaked military plans was deplorable | Opinion
President Donald Trump’s response to the Signal text leak was deplorable and outrageous. Failure to hold those responsible for using Signal, minimizing the consequences and attacking The Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg is unacceptable leadership.
What happened to “You’re Fired” from the Apprentice? Have we forgot President Harry Truman’s leadership principle, “The buck stops here?” The leak was not likely an error, mistake or act of omission. Most likely the leak resulted from acts of commission. Someone probably decided not to verify the identity of individuals on the thread.
Moreover, someone used Signal instead of communications lines for high government officials. Could using Signal have been intentional? Was Signal used to go around the normal procedures where emails, chats and other communications are automatically recorded and archived? We deserve a thorough investigation and those responsible should be terminated and perhaps prosecuted.
David Lipton, Raleigh
USDA cuts
United States Department of Agriculture cuts are bad for North Carolina, farmers and school kids. First, N.C. is a big agricultural state. When one of its best customers reduces their usual order, we lose money. Second, farmers and producers typically have epic years which create a surplus supply. Naturally, commodity prices drop, which can lead to bankruptcy.
If Russia refuses to pay for chicken leg quarters, the USDA pays good, but not market prices, and buys the oversupply. That stabilizes prices, so farmers stay in business, school lunch purchases pay lower prices and children eat healthy, locally produced food.
Once tariffs begin, market volatility is predicted. So why take away market stabilization devices like USDA purchasing? Unless the state economy, farmers’ survival and child hunger mean nothing to the current administration.
Chrystal Bartlett, Raleigh
Medicaid
One in four North Carolina residents get health care through Medicaid. Yet, Congress is considering cuts to this vital program. People in nursing homes, those with disabilities, children will be affected. Rural hospitals will reduce care. As a person of faith, I am deeply troubled. Our Congress members have said little about these cuts. Why? Don’t turn your back on citizens who need support. Don’t cut Medicaid!
Ann Ringland, Durham
New bill
I am disappointed that state senators Vickie Sawyer and Brad Overcash, primary sponsors of SB 516, the Women’s Safety and Protection Act, are once again hiding behind women’s safety to advance a discriminatory agenda towards the transgender community — a community of people whose contributions enrich our state in every sector.
If the senators really want to advocate for women’s safety, they should consider bills that give women the right to make decisions about their own bodies. They should write bills that protect women against abusive partners and restrict access to guns, often used to kill women, instead of enacting laws to protect abusers. Write bills that protect women when pregnancies threatens their lives. Write bills that fund quality daycare.
The bathroom bill 2.0 is another so-called solution in search of a problem that doesn’t exist, which will cause as much economic damage to this state as the first bathroom bill.
Rev. Dr. Nancy Petty, Raleigh
Tariffs, Tillis
Senator Thom Tillis knows that because of President Trump’s tariffs imported cars will soon cost 25% more. That will boost sales of domestic cars, but how many cars are made in this country? How many cars are made from parts made in this country? Americans will pay more for cars and will avoid buying them, allowing the coming Trump-created recession to accelerate.
That the president would create such problems in a world beset with problems seems beyond comprehension. The only explanation is he has no understanding of what he is doing or concern for the outcome.
The one thing Tillis has in common with Trump is political party. When this is over, what does Tillis want history to say about that party and his role in it?
Debra Ann Burdick, Durham
Education
Every student deserves opportunity, resources and support to reach their potential no matter where they live, their race or how much their family earns. Public schools and the Department of Education exist because students, with and without disabilities, have the right to an education that imparts lessons, life skills and a love of learning.
Cynthia Lodestro, Chapel Hill
This story was originally published March 30, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "How about ‘You’re fired?’ Trump’s response to leaked military plans was deplorable | Opinion."