Trump Calls Reporter a "Stupid Person" Again

Trump's Outburst at Reporter Over Vetting Claims

During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday, Donald Trump faced questions about the vetting process of a suspect involved in the shooting of two National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C. The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 26, when two soldiers were shot near Farragut Square. The shooter, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was believed to have come from Afghanistan and had been granted asylum under the Trump administration.

Trump criticized the U.S. asylum process, claiming it failed to properly vet individuals like Lakanwal. He stated, “He went cuckoo. I mean, he went nuts. It happens too often with these people.” He also accused the current system of allowing unvetted individuals into the country, saying, “They came in unvetted, and we have a lot of others in this country, and we’re going to get them out.”

Press Conference Tensions

When a reporter attempted to correct Trump, citing a recent report from the Department of Justice Inspector General that highlighted thorough vetting by the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, Trump cut off the reporter. He angrily asked, “Are you a stupid person? Are you a stupid person?” He claimed that it was impossible to remove those who entered the U.S. under former President Joe Biden’s policies.

Despite his claims, Trump has overseen the deportation of at least 400,000 people since taking office. However, the controversy surrounding Lakanwal’s asylum status under his administration raises questions about the effectiveness of the vetting process.

Details of the Washington, D.C. Shooting

The shooting took place just after 2 PM on Wednesday, November 26, when two members of the U.S. National Guard were shot near Farragut Square in downtown Washington, D.C. The victims, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, were on a high-visibility patrol near the corner of 17th and I Street. Washington Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll described the incident as an ambush, while Mayor Muriel Bowser called it a targeted attack.

Beckstrom died from her injuries on Thursday, while Wolfe remains in critical condition. The shooter, Lakanwal, is currently facing charges of assault with the intent to kill while armed and criminal possession of a weapon.

Who Was the Shooter?

Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, was granted asylum in April 2025 under the Trump administration. Prior to his arrival in the U.S., he worked with the CIA as a member of a partner force in Kandahar, according to a statement from CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Despite this background, he was allowed to enter the country and later committed the shooting.

FBI Director Kash Patel refused to comment on the vetting process during a press event, instead referencing a post on X from Kristi Noem. Trump has blamed the Biden administration for Lakanwal’s presence in the U.S., despite the fact that his own administration approved the asylum.

Response and Aftermath

In the wake of the shooting, Trump announced plans to send 500 more National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. However, it remains unclear where these additional troops would come from. The incident has sparked renewed debate over immigration policies and the vetting process for asylum seekers.

Lakanwal’s case highlights the complexities of the U.S. immigration system and the challenges of ensuring that individuals entering the country are properly vetted. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding how someone with a background in a sensitive role with the CIA could be allowed into the U.S. without proper scrutiny.