Trump slams Fox News reporter over Iran coverage, tells Baier to ‘straighten out his flunkies’
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Thursday, August 27, publicly criticized Fox News correspondent Jonathan Hunt over his coverage of Iran and called on the network’s chief political anchor, Bret Baier, to “straighten out his flunkies.”
Baier then responded to the president during his own broadcast, defending Hunt as “a great reporter” and disputing Trump’s characterization of the network’s reporting. He also clarified that the outlet had not reported that Trump wanted to meet with Iranian officials.
Trump slams Jonathan Hunt as Bret Baier defends Fox News report
Trump claimed that Hunt had delivered an “inaccurate report” about Iran before turning to Baier, in a post on Truth Social. “Jonathan Hunt of FoxNews did a particularly inaccurate report on the Failing Islamic Republic of Iran. I don’t want to meet, they do. In fact, they are begging to make a deal. Bret Baier should straighten out his flunkies, for a change!” the 80-year-old wrote.
Jonathan Hunt of FoxNews did a particularly inaccurate report on the Failing Islamic Republic of Iran. I don’t want to meet, they do. In fact, they are begging to make a deal. Bret Baier should straighten out his flunkies, for a change! President DJT
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) August 27, 2026
( TS: Aug 27 2026, 6:19 PM… pic.twitter.com/XXwrlUS39P
Hunt had reported on Iran’s response to US economic sanctions as the administration worked to safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. He had also previously challenged a claim from Trump that mines had been removed or detonated from international waters in the strait, noting that the claim appeared to conflict with a joint statement from Iran and Oman.
Baier addressed Trump’s criticism during his program shortly afterward, defending Hunt and explaining what the outlet had actually reported.
TRUTH SOCIAL REACTION: "First of all, Mr. President, we didn’t say you wanted to meet. In fact we played a soundbite you didn’t want to meet and there are negotiations. We said that Treasury Secretary Bessent is hoping to meet with G-20 countries to increase the pressure on… pic.twitter.com/7RxHoHlLJJ
— Special Report (@SpecialReport) August 27, 2026
“First of all, Jonathan Hunt's is not a flunky. He's a great reporter,” Baier said. “Second of all, Mr President, we didn't say you wanted to meet. In fact, we played a soundbite that you didn't want to meet and there are no negotiations,” he continued.
He said the report instead focused on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s efforts to meet with G20 countries to increase pressure on Iran, as well as Gulf Arab allies, including Qatar, attempting to persuade Tehran to make concessions. “That was what it said,” Baier concluded.
Trump's previous clashes with the network
The dispute marks another public clash between Trump and Fox News, despite his longstanding support for the conservative network.
In April, the president criticized Fox News anchor Shannon Bream over her handling of comments from Democratic Rep Jake Auchincloss and separately demanded Fox executives remove Jessica Tarlov from the air, calling her “one of the worst ‘personalities’ on television.”
JUST IN: President Trump on Truth Social: “Tell Shannon Bream of FoxNews that it’s not the Save Act, it’s the Save America Act, a big difference! Also, when she insists on having lightweight Democrat Congressmen, such as Jake Auchincloss, on her not very hard hitting show, she… pic.twitter.com/8GQmA7g9wq
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) April 7, 2026
Trump has also criticized other news organizations during his second term, including ABC News, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.
