AMSTERDAM, Netherlands – Former President Donald Trump expressed outrage over leaked Pentagon intelligence suggesting that recent strikes against Iran were less effective than initially claimed. As Trump attended a NATO summit, he criticized media outlets for reporting on preliminary findings that contradicted his administration’s narrative.
Immediate Impact
The leaked intelligence report, covered by CNN and The New York Times, revealed that the weekend strikes only partially damaged their targets, potentially delaying Iran’s nuclear program by a few months. Trump, who had asserted that the strikes “obliterated” Iran’s capabilities, launched a series of attacks against the media, labeling their reports as “disgusting” and “horrible.”
“FAKE NEWS REPORTERS FROM CNN & THE NEW YORK TIMES SHOULD BE FIRED, IMMEDIATELY!!! BAD PEOPLE WITH EVIL INTENTIONS!!!”
Key Details Emerge
During a press conference, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, defended the operation and criticized media coverage. Hegseth emphasized the complexity of the mission, questioning why the media did not celebrate the achievement.
Media Criticism
Hegseth targeted former colleague Jennifer Griffin of Fox News for her inquiries about the administration’s confidence in Iran not moving uranium before the strikes. “Jennifer, you’ve been about the worst,” Hegseth declared, accusing her of misrepresenting the president’s statements.
By the Numbers
- Strikes reportedly set back Iran’s nuclear program by only a few months.
- Trump’s Truth Social account featured multiple all-caps posts attacking media outlets.
- The operation was touted as “the most complex and secretive military operation in history.”
Background Context
The controversy stems from Trump’s sensitivity to suggestions that Iran may have moved uranium ahead of the strikes, following his own hints of potential U.S. action. A source revealed that Trump was particularly upset by reports undermining the perceived success of the operation.
Expert Analysis
According to a Trump adviser, comparisons between the operation and historical military events, such as D-Day, were reminiscent of past exaggerated claims about Trump’s achievements. This narrative aligns with the administration’s efforts to discredit the leaked intelligence and bolster the president’s image.
What Comes Next
The leak has prompted an aggressive investigation, with officials warning federal employees about severe consequences for involvement. The administration has also restricted the sharing of classified information with Congress, declaring a “war on leakers.”
“We are declaring a war on leakers,” a senior White House official told Axios.
The ongoing investigation and media scrutiny leave the full impact of the strikes uncertain. As the situation develops, the administration continues to defend its actions and manage the fallout from the leaked report.
