New York Times published an op-ed critical of Donald Trump. It was written by Mr. Anonymous. The NYT does not want to divulge the name of the writer. They said it was a senior official in the Trump Administration.
James Dao, the newspaper's op-ed editor, said in the Times' daily podcast that while an intermediary brought him together with the author, he conducted a background check and spoke to the person to the point that he was "totally confident" in the identity.
That's not a very senior person if Mr. Dao needs to check to see who that person is.
I think any of the following people could have written that article.
The barber who cuts/fixes Trump’s hair.
The gardener at the white house.
The butler at the white house.
The Editor of New York Times Mr. Anonymous himself.
Bob Woodward. He is known for making up conversations and events.
And finally, it could be me. But again it may not be me because I never got a call from Mr. Dao.
It would be fun if the New York Times’ own investigative reporters investigate this and publish the name of the author.
An Update: Mr. Trump has asked the Attorney General and the DOJ (Department of Justice) to investigate and find out who that anonymous author is. NYT has immediately responded with their usual defense – Freedom of Speech and First Amendment. Freedom of Speech and First Amendment are OK. However, if that anonymous author is a serving military person or with the National Security, there is no freedom of speech as long as he/she is serving in that organization.