Trump aides worry Haberman and Swan secured Situation Room tapes for upcoming book

Former President Donald Trump's advisers believe reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan obtained audio recordings of Situation Room meetings for their upcoming book, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

The recordings, which would capture high-level discussions on policy and national security, represent a potentially significant escalation in presidential record-keeping. Trump aides told Axios they worry the tapes could feature direct exchanges contradicting the former president's public statements.

Haberman and Swan, both of the New York Times, have not confirmed the recordings' existence. The book, "Regime Change," is scheduled for publication through Simon & Schuster.

Trump's team has moved to contain the fallout. A spokesperson denied the existence of such tapes and characterized the reports as "fabricated gossip."

Former White House officials said any recordings would likely have been made by aides or security personnel rather than Trump himself. The Situation Room typically operates under strict protocols, though Trump's administration was known for relaxed adherence to procedures.

The concern among Trump advisers centers on specific meetings during the final months of his presidency, including discussions around January 6 and the transfer of power. Sources said some aides fear personal conversations captured on tape could damage their reputations or contradict sworn testimony.

Haberman, who covered Trump for the Times during his presidency, has previously reported on his private statements diverging from public positions. Swan's reporting at Axios also frequently surfaced details from inside the administration.

The book reportedly draws on hundreds of interviews with former Trump officials, many of whom spoke on condition of anonymity. It examines the final years of the Trump administration and the political dynamics shaping his post-presidential influence.

Trump's legal team has not responded to inquiries about potential claims of privilege or ownership over White House recordings. The National Archives, which oversees presidential records, declined to comment.

Several former advisers said they received calls from Haberman and Swan's researchers asking about specific Oval Office conversations. Two sources said the questions indicated familiarity with meeting details not included in standard reporting.

The book arrives amid heightened scrutiny of Trump's White House record-keeping practices. Previous reports documented instances of aides tearing up documents and using unofficial communication channels.

"Regime Change" follows Haberman's 2022 book "Confidence Man" and Swan's reporting on the Trump administration's pandemic response. The two journalists collaborated on a 2019 Axios interview that drew widespread attention for its direct questioning style.