The clash between the White House and a New Yorker writer over National Guard deployment in D.C. reveals much about the tensions between media and government powers.
Story Snapshot
- The White House called Jane Mayer a “sick, disgusting ghoul” for criticizing the National Guard deployment.
- Two National Guard members were shot in D.C. shortly before Mayer’s comments.
- The controversy highlights broader debates on militarization and media coverage.
- The White House’s reaction underscores its commitment to defending federal deployment.
White House and Media in Direct Conflict
The White House’s response to Jane Mayer’s criticism of the National Guard’s presence in Washington, D.C. was nothing short of explosive. The writer’s assertion that the Guard “should never have been deployed” was met with the executive branch’s harsh rebuke, labeling her a “sick, disgusting ghoul.” This occurred shortly after two guardsmen were shot near the White House, intensifying the situation.
Ghoul is right. Lowlife is better.https://t.co/pkrHXDDRjo
— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) November 27, 2025
The incident underscored the fraught relationship between the media and the Trump administration, especially when it comes to national security measures perceived as politically motivated. Mayer’s comments, made within an hour of the shooting, were framed as insensitive, raising questions about the timing and nature of media critiques during crises.
Historical Context and Deployment Controversy
The deployment of over 2,000 National Guard members to Washington, D.C. in August 2025 was a controversial decision by President Trump aimed at combating crime. This large-scale federal troop deployment in an American city sparked significant debate. Critics like Mayer viewed it as unnecessary and politically driven, while the administration defended it as a crucial security measure.
Mayer’s criticism on The Political Scene podcast highlighted her concerns, calling the deployment “shocking” and “crossing new barriers.” Meanwhile, a federal judge’s ruling that the deployment was likely illegal added legal weight to the controversy, though the administration was appealing the decision.
Reactions and Political Ramifications
The shooting on Thanksgiving Day near the Farragut West Metro station in downtown D.C. brought the ongoing controversy into sharper focus. The White House’s Rapid Response account’s attack on Mayer reflected its strategy to aggressively defend its stance against media critiques, portraying the guardsmen as heroes.
President Trump’s decision to send an additional 500 troops following the shooting signaled the administration’s determination to maintain a strong security presence in the capital. This move further fueled debates about federal troop involvement in domestic law enforcement.
Implications for Media and Government Relations
The incident raised significant questions about the balance between government accountability and sensitivity to violence victims. The White House’s direct attacks on journalists for their coverage and commentary during a crisis marked an escalation in rhetoric, potentially influencing how media organizations approach similar situations in the future.
Meanwhile, the unresolved legal status of the deployment and the investigation into the shooting’s motives continue to loom over the narrative. As the administration and media navigate these complex dynamics, the broader public watches closely, aware of the implications for national security policies and press freedoms.
