Tips off implies an actual plan...you are right...but he basically promised a heads up if something was going to happen.....I chose my words to fit the width of the image....it was a tip off in a way, basically undermining any American authority or threat to them. If semantics are your thing..that is fine. It was an act of treason, no different than a cop tipping off the crooks that they won't be making arrests for certain crimes or executing any no knock warrants anymore.