Trump Slams Reporter as "Stupid" Once More

Trump's Outburst at Reporter Over Vetting Claims

During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday, former President 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 that 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 administration 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.”

Reporter Challenges Trump's Claims

A reporter attempted to challenge Trump’s assertions, pointing out that the Department of Justice Inspector General had recently reported that there was thorough vetting by the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI for Afghans brought into the U.S. Trump cut off the reporter, responding angrily, “Because they let them in. Are you stupid? Are you a stupid person?” He claimed it was impossible to remove those who entered the country under previous immigration policies.

Despite Trump's claims, it is important to note that the individual in question, Lakanwal, was granted asylum under his administration. This has raised questions about the effectiveness of the vetting process and the responsibility of the current administration.

Details of the Washington, D.C. Shooting

The shooting took place just after 2 PM on Wednesday, November 26, in downtown Washington, D.C. Two members of the U.S. National Guard, both from West Virginia, 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, stating that the shooter "came around the corner" and "immediately started firing." Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser called the shooting a targeted attack.

The victims, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, were both injured in the attack. Specialist Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries on Thursday, while Wolfe remains in critical condition.

Who Was the Shooter?

The suspected gunman, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been charged with three counts of assault with the intent to kill while armed and criminal possession of a weapon. Lakanwal, believed to have come from Afghanistan, arrived in the U.S. in 2021 and was granted asylum in April 2025 under the Trump administration. Prior to his arrival in the U.S., Lakanwal worked with the CIA as a member of a partner force in Kandahar, according to a statement from the CIA Director, John Ratcliffe.

Despite the charges against Lakanwal, Trump has blamed the Biden administration for his presence in the U.S. However, it was the Trump administration that granted him asylum. When asked about the vetting process, FBI Director Kash Patel refused to answer directly and instead referenced a post on X from Kristi Noem.

Response and Aftermath

In the aftermath 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 the vetting process for asylum seekers and the role of previous administrations in ensuring national security.

The shooting highlights the ongoing challenges related to immigration policy and the need for comprehensive reforms. As the investigation continues, the focus will likely remain on the effectiveness of the vetting process and the responsibilities of various government agencies in preventing such incidents.