The Trump administration has intensified its criticism of CNN's reporting on the ongoing war with Iran, labeling it as fake news. This escalation follows comments from administration officials and a Pentagon briefing. CNN has responded by defending its journalistic integrity.
On March 13, 2026, the White House issued a statement accusing CNN of spreading misinformation about the U.S. military operation against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury. The conflict, which has lasted nearly two weeks, involves U.S. forces targeting Iran's nuclear program and regime, amid rising oil prices, volatile markets, and missile activity in the Middle East. The administration also noted the lifting of sanctions against Russia related to the Ukrainian war.
Communications Director Steven Cheung referred to CNN as a "sh*tty outlet" earlier in the day. An official White House release titled "CNN Is Lying to Undermine Operation Epic Fury’s Crushing Success" stated: "While U.S. forces deliver crushing blows to obliterate Iran’s terrorist regime, CNN’s hack ‘journalists’ are peddling Democrat-sourced fiction to undermine our decisive victories in Operation Epic Fury." The statement praised President Donald Trump's leadership and dismissed CNN's coverage as an attempt to obscure the operation's success, citing internal staff and supportive senators.
The criticism came hours after former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, speaking at a Pentagon press briefing, attacked CNN over its reporting on the Strait of Hormuz. Hegseth remarked: "The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better." Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Cheung also posted criticisms on social media targeting CNN and other outlets.
In response, CNN Chairman and CEO Mark Thompson issued a statement: "We stand by our journalism." He added: "Politicians have an obvious motive for claiming that journalism which raises questions about their decisions is false. At CNN our only interest is in telling the truth to our audiences in the U.S. and around the world and no amount of political threats or insults is going to change that." This exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the administration and media coverage of the Iran conflict.
