Trump blasts Iran conflict coverage, says US media would credit Tehran even in defeat

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump escalated his long-running feud with major news organizations during an appearance on ‘My View with Lara Trump’, arguing that media outlets are so hostile toward him that they would portray even a complete Iranian surrender as a defeat for the United States.

Speaking about coverage of the ongoing conflict with Iran, Trump claimed major newspapers and television networks would refuse to acknowledge a clear American victory and instead twist the narrative to make his administration look bad.

Trump claims media would spin Iran's surrender as US defeat

During the interview, Trump painted an exaggerated scenario to illustrate what he sees as media bias.

"If Iran waves the white flag, we give up, New York Times will say, 'Iran has fought bravely and defeated the United States!'" the commander-in-chief said.

Trump continued by arguing that even the destruction of Iran's military capabilities would not change how certain outlets report the story.

"You knock out the entire navy and they say 'their navy is doing fantastically!'" he added.

The Republican leader then went ahead with his criticism beyond coverage of Iran and accused major media organizations of routinely misleading the public.

"You need a fair media. We don't have a fair media. All they can do is lie," he said.

Trump renews attacks on New York Times, CNN and Wall Street Journal

Trump's frustration has increasingly centered on several news organizations that he believes have unfairly covered his administration's handling of the Iran conflict.

In an earlier Truth Social post, the POTUS specifically named the New York Times, CNN, and the Wall Street Journal while accusing them of refusing to acknowledge what he views as military successes.

"The Failing New York Times, The China Street Journal (WSJ!), Corrupt and now Irrelevant CNN, and all other members of the Fake News Media, will headline that Iran had a Masterful and Brilliant Victory over The United States of America," Trump wrote.

He also accused both the media and Democrats of losing touch with reality.

"The Dumacrats and Media have totally lost their way," Trump stated. "They have gone absolutely CRAZY!!!"

The comments marked another chapter in his years-long battle with major media outlets, a theme that has remained central to his political messaging.

Air Force One exchange highlighted growing tensions

Trump's latest remarks also follow a tense exchange aboard Air Force One earlier this month involving the NYT's chief Washington correspondent, David Sanger.

During the conversation, Sanger asked a question about whether renewed military operations against Iran would accomplish the political goals after weeks of conflict.

"What would the use be in repeating the bombing?" Sanger asked. "You did it for 38 days and you did not get the political changes in Iran."

Trump immediately pushed back against the suggestion, arguing that the media had failed to accurately report the outcome of the military campaign.

"I got a total military victory," he responded. "But the fake news, guys like you, write incorrectly."

The exchange quickly became more confrontational as the president accused reporters of distorting facts.

"I actually think it's sort of treasonous what you write," Trump told Sanger.