White House and Pentagon officials blast CNN’s Iran reporting as “fake news” and urge for a more “patriotic press” amid tensions.

WASHINGTON: The Trump administration launched a sharp attack on CNN over its coverage of the Iran conflict. Both the Pentagon and the White House criticised the network’s reporting on Friday.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a news conference on US military operations to denounce the media, specifically targeting CNN. He urged for what he termed an “actual patriotic press.”

Hegseth was angered by a CNN story suggesting Washington had underestimated Iran’s ability to disrupt oil traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. “Patently ridiculous,” Hegseth told reporters.

He added, “The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better.” David Ellison heads Paramount Skydance, which is set to complete a takeover of CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.

Ellison recently vowed to protect CNN’s editorial independence. His father, Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison, financed the takeover and is a longtime ally of President Donald Trump.

The White House also condemned the CNN report on the strategic waterway. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the story “100% FAKE NEWS” in a post on X.

She stated that Pentagon planning for a potential Iranian closure of the strait predates the current operation. CNN chief Mark Thompson defended the network’s reporting in response.

“Our only interest is in telling the truth to our audiences in the US and around the world and no amount of political threats or insults is going to change that,” Thompson said.

President Trump has frequently criticised CNN reporters, including anchor Kaitlan Collins. He scolded Collins in February for not smiling during a question about Jeffrey Epstein’s victims.

 The Sun Malaysia