Pete Hegseth Critiques CNN at Pentagon Briefing, Urging David Ellison to Take Charge Soon
Pentagon Press Conference: Hegseth Critiques CNN for Coverage of Strait of Hormuz
At a recent press conference at the Pentagon, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth leveled criticisms against CNN for its reporting on the Trump administration’s handling of the war’s impact on the Strait of Hormuz. The strait, which borders Iran, serves as a critical shipping point for the region.
A CNN report cited unnamed sources claiming that the national security team under former President Trump "failed to fully account for the potential consequences of what some officials have described as a worst-case scenario now facing the administration."
In response, Hegseth dismissed the report as "patently ridiculous," emphasizing that Iran has long posed a threat to navigation in the Strait. "This is always what they do. Hold the Strait hostage. CNN doesn’t think we thought of that. It’s a fundamentally unserious report," he stated. He added that the network would benefit from new leadership, suggesting, “The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better.”
Ellison serves as the CEO of Paramount, which is in the process of acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company. A spokesperson for CNN defended the network’s reporting, stating, "We stand by our reporting."
Former CNN Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr responded to Hegseth’s comments via X, stating, "CNN has had personnel in combat zones for decades. You have a legal and moral obligation to defend the free press, even the ones you don’t personally like." She further urged Hegseth to address his criticisms with facts rather than personal remarks.
Hegseth has a history of criticizing media coverage of the conflict in the region, suggesting that highlighting U.S. military losses is meant to undermine the President. At Friday’s conference, he expressed further discontent with media framing, arguing that headlines like “Mideast War Intensifies” overlook Iran’s desperation, suggesting a more accurate banner would read “Iran Increasingly Desperate.”
During his tenure, Hegseth has also sought to limit press access to the Pentagon. Last year, much of the traditional press corps departed after refusing to sign a restrictive policy that media attorneys condemned.
In recent developments, the Washington Post reported that print press photographers have been barred from briefings after unflattering photos emerged. The New York Times echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the importance of full media access to the U.S. military. According to the Post, photographers continued to be restricted at Friday’s briefing.
Meanwhile, Ellison has stated that CNN’s editorial independence must be preserved under new ownership, although scrutiny has increased regarding ownership changes at CBS News, which Ellison acquired last year, including the hiring of Bari Weiss as editor in chief.
