Former First Lady Melania Trump reveals her unique experience witnessing the al-Baghdadi raid from the White House Situation Room, raising questions about security protocols.
At a Glance
- Melania Trump watched the 2019 ISIS raid from the White House Situation Room
- The operation targeted ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and involved a military dog named Conan
- Melania’s presence in the Situation Room raised questions about security clearance
- She suggested highlighting the role of Conan, the military dog, in the operation
Unprecedented Access to High-Stakes Operation
In a surprising revelation from her upcoming memoir, former First Lady Melania Trump recounts her experience of witnessing the high-stakes military operation that led to the demise of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The operation, which took place in the autumn of 2019, was observed by Mrs. Trump from the White House Situation Room, an unprecedented move that has raised eyebrows regarding security protocols.
“I was caught off guard when I received a call informing me that the president wanted to see me in the Oval Office,” she writes, according to The Daily Beast, which obtained an advance copy. “I was directed to join him in the Situation Room – a first and unique experience for me.”
A Glimpse into the Operation
The operation, named “Operation Kayla Mueller” after a humanitarian worker who died in Syria allegedly at al-Baghdadi’s orders, was led by U.S. Special Forces and involved a Belgian Malinois military dog named Conan. Mrs. Trump was invited by then-President Donald Trump to witness the operation alongside high-ranking officials, including Vice President Mike Pence and Defense Secretary Mark Esper.
“Watch this incredible action at work,” Donald whispered to me,” she writes.
The former First Lady’s account provides a rare glimpse into the tense atmosphere of the Situation Room during a critical national security event. Her presence, however, has sparked discussions about the informal approach to security that characterized the Trump White House.
The Hero Dog and Media Strategy
In a notable detail from her memoir, Mrs. Trump reveals that she suggested highlighting the role of Conan, the military dog involved in the operation. “You should talk about the dog,” she advised her husband. “Everyone loves dogs.” This suggestion proved prescient, as Conan was later honored at the White House for bravery after being injured during the mission.
The former president took his wife’s advice to heart, personally announcing the success of the raid and mentioning Conan. This media strategy helped to shape the public narrative around the operation, emphasizing both its success and the heroism of those involved, including the four-legged hero.
Questions of Security and Protocol
While Mrs. Trump’s account offers an intriguing behind-the-scenes look at a pivotal moment in the fight against ISIS, it also raises questions about security protocols in the Trump White House. The former First Lady’s presence in the Situation Room, despite lacking the same level of security clearance as others present, has been a point of discussion among national security experts.
This incident, also mentioned in Christopher Miller’s memoir, highlights the unconventional approach to security that characterized the Trump administration. As Mrs. Trump’s memoir, set to be released on October 8th, continues to generate media attention, it promises to offer more insights into the inner workings of the Trump White House and the role of the former First Lady in key moments of the administration.
Sources:
- Melania says she quizzed military leaders in the Situation Room during mission to eliminate ISIS leader
- What really happened when Melania Trump went to the Situation Room and watched special forces kill ISIS leader with the help of Conan the dog
- Melania Trump watched 2019 ISIS raid from Situation Room, suggested ‘hero dog’ story in media
