Hegseth Weighs In on Regime Change (at CNN)

"More fake news from CNN. 'Reports that the Trump administration underestimated the Iran war's impact on the Strait of Hormuz.' Patently ridiculous, of course. 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 alleged that the media is intentionally taking an overly negative approach to its coverage, even going as far as suggesting alternate headlines for news reports. For example, a banner headline: 'Mideast War Intensifies' splashing on the screen the last couple of days alongside visuals of civilian or energy targets that Iran has hit because that's what they do."

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has regularly used his platform to critique media coverage of the Iran war, particularly targeting CNN. On Friday, Hegseth attacked a CNN report claiming the Trump administration underestimated Iran's impact on the Strait of Hormuz, calling it "patently ridiculous" and "fundamentally unserious." He argued Iran has historically threatened shipping in the strait and that the administration anticipated this response. Hegseth also commented on CNN's potential sale to David Ellison and Paramount. He further alleged the media intentionally presents overly negative coverage, suggesting alternative headlines would better frame the conflict.

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