WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former President Donald Trump expressed deep dissatisfaction with media reports on leaked Pentagon intelligence regarding recent strikes on Iran. The intelligence suggested the attacks were less damaging than initially claimed by the Trump administration, sparking a media storm and a fervent response from the former president.
Immediate Impact
The controversy erupted as CNN and The New York Times reported on the preliminary findings of the Pentagon’s intelligence, which indicated that the strikes only partially damaged their targets, potentially delaying Iran’s nuclear program by mere months. Trump, attending a NATO summit in the Netherlands, vehemently criticized the media, accusing them of spreading “fake news” and misrepresenting the success of the military operation.
Key Details Emerge
Trump’s presence on Truth Social intensified as he launched a series of all-caps attacks against both CNN and The New York Times, demanding the firing of journalists involved. “FAKE NEWS REPORTERS FROM CNN & THE NEW YORK TIMES SHOULD BE FIRED, IMMEDIATELY!!! BAD PEOPLE WITH EVIL INTENTIONS!!!” he wrote.
Defense Secretary’s Response
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, held a press conference where Hegseth criticized media coverage of the operation. “How many stories have been written about how hard it is to fly a plane for 36 hours?” Hegseth questioned, emphasizing the complexity and secrecy of the mission.
“How about we celebrate that? How about we talk about how successful America is, that only we have these capabilities?” Hegseth insisted.
Industry Response
Hegseth also targeted Jennifer Griffin of Fox News, challenging her on the administration’s assurance that Iran had not preemptively moved uranium from the strike sites. The Pentagon’s preliminary report had indicated such a move was likely. “Jennifer, you’ve been about the worst, the one who misrepresents the most, intentionally, what the president said,” Hegseth remarked.
By the Numbers
- Strikes partially damaged targets
- Iran’s nuclear program setback by a few months
- Trump’s Truth Social post: “FAKE NEWS REPORTERS…”
Background Context
The chaotic scene at the Pentagon and Trump’s online outbursts are part of a broader effort to defend the strikes and discredit the leaked intelligence report. Trump has been particularly sensitive to suggestions that Iran moved uranium ahead of the strikes, a notion that undermines his claims of a perfectly executed operation.
Expert Analysis
According to a source speaking to Rolling Stone, Trump’s frustration is partly due to his own actions, as he had hinted at potential U.S. actions, potentially alerting Iran. “It really pisses him off when people say that,” the source noted.
What Comes Next
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt have rallied to support Trump. Hegseth’s comments, likening the operation to being “better than D-Day,” echo past exaggerations from Trump’s administration.
The leak of classified information has sparked a vigorous investigation, with the administration warning federal employees of severe consequences if they are found responsible. “We are declaring a war on leakers,” a senior White House official told Axios.
Timeline of Events
- Strikes conducted over the weekend
- Intelligence report leaked on Tuesday
- Trump’s NATO summit comments
- Hegseth and Caine’s press conference
As investigations continue, the effectiveness of the operation remains under scrutiny. During the press conference, General Caine refrained from confirming the complete success of the strikes, highlighting the ongoing nature of the assessment.
The unfolding situation underscores the tensions between the administration’s narrative and the media’s reporting, setting the stage for further developments in this high-stakes geopolitical conflict.
