Top Trump Official Accuses CNN Reporter Inside Iran of Pushing Regime Propaganda'

"CNN senior international correspondent Frederik Pleitgen broadcast from inside Iran in a report Thursday night on Anderson Cooper 360, as he offered a snapshot of daily life following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes ordered by President Donald Trump. Filming during a stop for coffee, Pleitgen said that despite seeing damaged buildings, smoke, and armed checkpoints, he had not seen any sign of order collapsing here."

"He reported that all the shops are open and really well-stocked, even with fresh things like fruits and vegetables. Standing outside a gas station, he added there were no long lines and fuel appeared to be readily available. You just don't see any sort of degree of panic anywhere, Pleitgen said."

"Dylan Johnson, a recent appointee to Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs and former deputy communications director for Trump's 2024 campaign shared a 30-second clip of Pleitgen's report on X, writing: CNN appears to now be doing straight up pro-Iran regime propaganda because someone gave this guy a coffee."

CNN senior international correspondent Frederik Pleitgen broadcast from inside Iran, reporting on conditions following recent military strikes. His report showed damaged buildings and armed checkpoints but also functioning shops, stocked goods, available fuel, and an absence of panic. The footage circulated on social media, prompting criticism from Dylan Johnson, a Trump administration appointee, who accused CNN of spreading pro-Iran regime propaganda. Johnson's criticism sparked broader backlash from MAGA influencers and conservatives who claimed CNN was acting as Iran's propagandist. Pleitgen responded to accusations about receiving coffee, clarifying he purchased it himself. Some social media users defended Pleitgen's reporting, suggesting the administration was attempting to silence media refusing to echo its narrative.

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