In one of the most shocking and seditious displays of media treachery in American history, the mainstream press now largely appears to be actively rooting against the success of U.S. operations in Iran – and in some cases is acting as a de facto propaganda bullhorn for the regime in Tehran to undermine public confidence in the military.
Even by the media’s own dismal standards for accuracy and integrity, the coverage of the Iran strikes has been appalling.
Last week, ABC News ran a story alleging that “the FBI has warned police departments in California that Iran wants to retaliate for American attacks by launching offensive drones against the West Coast.” The outlet’s X post sharing the story racked up more than 19 million views and led to widespread panic.
The only problem? The “bombshell” story was based on the thinnest of evidence, despite being presented as verified fact. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt quickly corrected the record, writing on X that ABC’s reporting was “based on one email that was sent to local law enforcement in California about a single, unverified tip. The email even states the tip was based on *unverified* intelligence. Yet ABC News left out this critical fact in their story!”
ABC ultimately issued a correction to their original article, but by then the damage had been done, and the updated story received far less attention.
Another report from CNN alleged that the Trump administration “did not plan for the possibility of Iran closing the [Strait of Hormuz] in response to strikes.” Iranian attacks on oil tankers have largely shut down the channel, through which approximately 20-30 percent of global oil is transported.
Once again, Leavitt had to step in to correct the record. “The Pentagon has been planning for Iran’s desperate and reckless closure of the Strait of Hormuz for DECADES, and it has been part of the Trump Administration’s planning well before Operation Epic Fury was ever launched,” she wrote on X. “The idea that Chairman Cain and Secretary Hegseth weren’t prepared for this possibility is PREPOSTEROUS.”
Montana Senator Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL, also stated that “it is categorically false that they did not plan for Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz” and that “lawmakers and national security officials have known for years that this was Iran’s plan once their backs were against the wall.” Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, stated plainly, “whoever leaked this lied.”
In other cases, the scaremongering has been even more blatant and egregious. Liberal commentator Chuck Todd has mused that “the Commander in Chief isn’t getting the full picture of the war’s impact out of fear by those around him of telling him something he doesn’t want to hear.” ABC reported that Trump is “under pressure” to end the conflict. CNN published “seven reasons why Trump hasn’t won the Iran war.” The New York Times is fretting that “Trump and his advisors miscalculated Iran’s response to the war.”
Based on this sort of “reporting” alone, it would be easy to conclude that the U.S. operations in Iran have been a total disaster, the military is in disarray, and there are now even legitimate threats against American civilians.
The facts, however, paint quite a different picture. According to the Department of War, Iranian ballistic missile attacks are down 90 percent since the start of the conflict. Drone attacks are down 95 percent. Iran’s air defenses have been virtually eliminated. The Iranian Navy is almost entirely at the bottom of the sea. American pilots have complete control of the skies.
One can disagree with Trump’s decision to launch the strikes in the first place. There is also a legitimate debate to be had about how long the strikes should continue or what escalatory measures are appropriate. But the idea that the military is not accomplishing its stated objectives with astonishing speed and effectiveness is simply not true.
It’s the media’s job to hold politicians accountable. It shouldn’t be the job of politicians to fact-check the media and ensure that their reporting is accurate – particularly on something as consequential as a major military operation.
But even beyond that, it’s worth reflecting on just how debased and deranged the media – and the entire liberal establishment – has become in their never-ending crusade to “get Trump.” The undeniable tone of the reporting, as well as comments from Democrats and liberal pundits, is almost relishing in any possible bad news. The press is eager to report on higher oil prices. They’re framing Iran – the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism responsible for hundreds of U.S. deaths and the mass murder of its own citizens – as a spunky underdog that’s carrying on against all odds.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth summed it up well in a recent blistering attack on the media during a press briefing: “Because you – and I mean specifically you the press – because you cheer against Trump so hard… because you want him not to be successful so bad you have to cheer against the efficacy of these strikes. [You] take half-truths, spun information, leaked information, and then spin it spin it in every way we can to try to cause doubt and manipulate the public mind over whether or not our brave pilots were successful.”
Ultimately, as Hegseth outlines, the media’s reaction simply comes down to blind hatred of Trump. The Left has spent so long bashing Trump and everything he does that they can’t help themselves. Even if it means rooting against U.S. military personnel and the U.S. economy, they can’t stand to give Trump any credit – and definitely not any positive headlines.
Shane Harris is the Editor-in-Chief of AMAC Newsline. You can follow him on X @shaneharris513.
