Trump reacted in private with what was described as "volcanic" anger. On Twitter he said the author was "failing" and "probably here for all the wrong reasons". He also questioned whether the aide was another "phony source" invented by the "failing "New York Times"". Trump tweeted: "If the GUTLESS anonymous person does indeed exist, the "Times" must, for National Security purposes, turn him/her over to government at once!" He later tweeted: "TREASON?"