In a heated press briefing at the Pentagon, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reportedly launched a vigorous attack on reporters, accusing them of harboring a deep-seated bias against President Donald Trump.
His remarks came in the wake of media reports suggesting that a recent military operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities had not achieved its intended objectives.
The briefing was convened to counter intelligence assessments reported by outlets such as CNN and The New York Times, which indicated that Iran might still be on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon despite the U.S. strikes.
These reports contradicted the administration’s claims of a decisive victory, prompting Hegseth to defend the actions of U.S. military personnel with an unusual fervor.
“Before I pass to the chairman, let me address you specifically, the press corps,” Hegseth began, accusing journalists of “cheering against Trump so hard, like in your DNA.”
He criticized their portrayal of the military strikes, suggesting that they were more interested in undermining the president than in accurately reporting the facts.
Hegseth expressed frustration that the media focused on negative narratives, stating, “You have to hope they were not effective.”
He argued that this mindset manipulates public perception and discredits the bravery of American pilots involved in the operation. “There are so many aspects of what our brave men and women did that are undermined by this press corps,” he asserted.
The Secretary of Defense lamented what he described as irresponsible leaks of classified information intended to damage the Trump administration’s credibility.
“Time and time again, classified information is leaked or peddled for political purposes,” he said, emphasizing the need for journalists to recognize their responsibility in accurately reporting military successes.
Hegseth’s remarks reflect a growing trend within the Trump administration, where officials often lash out at the media in defense of their narratives.
His comments not only underscore the tensions between the White House and the press but also highlight the challenges journalists face in covering complex military operations and national security issues.
In closing, Hegseth called for a celebration of the military’s achievements, insisting that the recent strikes should be viewed as a significant success.
“This was an historically successful attack,” he maintained, urging the press to recognize the complexities of military operations and the capabilities of the U.S. armed forces.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the interplay between media coverage and governmental accountability remains a critical narrative in American politics.
[READ MORE: Rand Paul Questions Trump’s Iran Strikes in Wake of Mixed Reactions]
