US EditionPete Hegseth Rips Into CNN
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled a CNN report on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz as fake news and backed David Ellison's $111 billion deal to acquire CNN's parent company.
- On Friday, March 13, 2026, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth interrupted a Pentagon briefing to attack CNN's report and urged David Ellison to take over Warner Bros. Discovery.
- CNN's Thursday report said the national security team misjudged Iran's intent to close the Strait of Hormuz, citing multiple unnamed sources and noting the Trump administration ignored Treasury and Energy analyses.
- Labeling the story 'fake news,' a CNN spokesperson said, 'We stand by our reporting.' Hegseth called the report 'patently ridiculous' and mocked alarmist headlines.
- Pentagon reporters have faced new restrictions in recent months, including badge and office changes that cost access, while press photographers were barred from Iran briefings, drawing criticism from Jennifer Griffin.
- Other outlets' reporting on the administration's Iran planning provides contrasting accounts, while Ellison praised CNN earlier this week and promised editorial independence.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Hegseth: I Can't Wait for CNN's New Owner
During a briefing on the Iran war Friday, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth ventured into unexpected territory: ownership of CNN. "The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better," Hegseth said in complaining about the network's war coverage, reports the Hill . Ellison's Paramount Skydance is poised to acquire CNN parent...
In the U.S., criticism of the government's strategy in the Iran war is growing. The defense minister is disturbed by media coverage, especially CNN gets its fat off. Hegseth can't wait to take over the news channel by Trump supporters.
Trump Pentagon chief says the 'quiet part out loud' with attack on CNN’s war reporting
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is facing strong criticism for his remarks during Friday’s press conference, where he lashed out at CNN’s war reporting before mentioning the four U.S. service members killed overnight.Punchbowl News’ Briana Reilly reported, “Hegseth opens DOD briefing criticizing media coverage of the Iran war.” “The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better,” Hegseth said of CNN and the CEO of Paramount Skydance…
The Pentagon and the National Security Council have significantly underestimated Iran's willingness to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to US military strikes, multiple sources familiar with the situation told CNN.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Left
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