Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth launched a sharp critique against the media during his Friday Pentagon press briefing, specifically targeting CNN while expressing support for Paramount CEO David Ellison's anticipated acquisition of the network. Hegseth described a recent CNN report as "patently ridiculous" and "fundamentally unserious," emphasizing that the sooner Ellison assumes control, the better it would be for the outlet.
Hegseth's Critique of CNN's Iran War Coverage
Hegseth took direct issue with a CNN article published on Thursday, which suggested that the Trump administration had underestimated Iran's willingness to close the Strait of Hormuz and the economic repercussions of such an action during war planning. "For decades, Iran has threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This is always what they do, hold the strait hostage. CNN doesn't think we thought of that. It's a fundamentally unserious report," Hegseth stated firmly. He reiterated his belief that Ellison's leadership would bring positive changes to the network.
White House Backs Hegseth's Media Criticism
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced Hegseth's comments, labeling the CNN report as "garbage." Leavitt asserted, "The Fake News is working overtime to discredit President Trump, his Administration, and our U.S. Military, all of whom are working 24/7 to eliminate the threat of the Iranian regime. It's a complete disgrace to witness this from the media, and we will keep fighting back against it." A CNN spokesperson responded by standing by their journalists' work, stating simply, "We stand by our reporting."
David Ellison's Acquisition and Editorial Independence
David Ellison, son of Trump ally Larry Ellison, recently secured an agreement to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN's parent company, following a competitive bidding process. Addressing concerns about potential changes at CNN similar to those at CBS News post-acquisition, Ellison assured CNBC last week, "Editorial independence will actually be maintained. It's maintained at CBS, it'll be maintained at CNN." However, his hiring of Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, despite her lack of television newsroom experience, has drawn scrutiny. Weiss has faced criticism for decisions like postponing a "60 Minutes" segment on an El Salvador prison just before airtime.
Reactions from Trump Allies and Broader Media Targeting
Ellison's expected takeover has garnered enthusiasm among some Trump supporters on the far right. Laura Loomer, an anti-Muslim extremist and conspiracy theorist, told The Bulwark, "I would happily become a CNN contributor if CNN is controlled by new leadership following a Paramount acquisition of WBD." Hegseth's attack is part of a broader pattern by the Trump administration to challenge news organizations. On Thursday, the White House criticized CNN over its coverage of new Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's first public statement. Additionally, the administration expressed frustration with CBS News for hiring Jeremy Adler, a former communications executive for Liz Cheney, a political opponent of Trump. An unnamed White House official told Axios, "What the hell is Bari Weiss thinking?"
Trump's Personal Criticism of Media Outlets
President Trump himself joined the fray, targeting The New York Times in a late-night Truth Social post about Iran war coverage. He wrote, "We are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and otherwise, yet, if you read the Failing New York Times, you would incorrectly think that we are not winning." This incident underscores ongoing tensions between the administration and major media networks, highlighting efforts to influence or control narrative framing around national security and foreign policy issues.
