Trump administration criticises CNN over coverage of Iran conflict

WASHINGTON: The Trump administration issued strong criticism of CNN on Friday regarding its coverage of the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. Both the Pentagon and the White House expressed their disapproval during a news conference focused on US military operations against Tehran.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at the event, singled out CNN for what he described as misleading reporting. Hegseth, a former Fox News host, was particularly critical of a recent CNN story that suggested Washington had underestimated Iran’s capacity to disrupt global oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. He dismissed the report as “patently ridiculous.”

Hegseth further commented on the future of the network, stating, “The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better.” David Ellison, who leads Paramount Skydance, is expected to complete a major acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, the current owner of CNN, after surpassing Netflix in the bidding process.

During the news conference, Hegseth called for what he termed an “actual patriotic press,” expressing his hope that changes in CNN’s ownership would result in a different editorial approach.

In response to the criticism, CNN’s Thompson stated that the network would continue to report “the truth.”

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and major US media outlets over the coverage of sensitive international issues, particularly those involving military actions and foreign policy.