White House slams CNN report as ‘fake news’ for claiming Dem leaders weren’t briefed ahead of Iran strike

WASHINGTON, DC: The White House is pushing back against a CNN report that claimed Democratic leaders were left out of the loop ahead of President Donald Trump’s recent military operation against Iran.

On Sunday, June 22, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly demanded a retraction from the network, calling the story “fake news” and insisting bipartisan communications did take place before the strikes, as reported by Fox News.

The issue stems from CNN’s coverage of the lead-up to "Operation Midnight Hammer," in which US forces struck Iran’s three key nuclear facilities in a surprise assault announced late Saturday. The report alleged that only Republican congressional leaders were notified before the attack.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt slams CNN report as ‘fake news’

Karoline Leavitt addressed the controversy in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), directly refuting CNN’s claims and defending the administration’s outreach efforts.

“This is Fake News. The White House made bipartisan courtesy calls to Congressional Leadership and spoke to @SenSchumer before the strike. @RepJeffries could not be reached until after, but he was briefed. @CNN please retract,” Leavitt wrote.

CNN initially reported that Trump had only informed top Republican leaders — House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune — ahead of the strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.

According to the outlet, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries were notified “shortly before the public announcement — and after the attack itself.”

CNN revises report on Iran strike briefing after White House pushback

Following criticism from the White House and Leavitt's demand for a retraction, CNN issued a correction, which reads, "This story has been updated to make clear Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was called before the strike, not after as initially reported."

A source clarified that Schumer had been contacted around 6 pm, less than an hour before the strikes, though the call offered “little detail” and did not specify which country would be targeted.

The White House maintained that Jeffries “could not be reached until after, but he was briefed,” with sources adding that multiple attempts were made to contact him in advance.

Chuck Schumer calls for enforcement of War Powers Act after US strikes Iran

Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that US forces carried out a surprise military campaign, dubbed "Operation Midnight Hammer," targeting three of Iran’s key nuclear sites.

During a White House address, the president labeled the attack a "spectacular military success" and claimed that Iran's enrichment facilities have been "completely and totally obliterated." 

In response, Democratic leaders condemned the strike. Sen Schumer called on Senate Majority Leader Thune to enforce the War Powers Act, emphasizing the need for congressional oversight.

“President Trump must provide the American people and Congress clear answers on the actions taken tonight and their implications for the safety of Americans. No president should be allowed to unilaterally march this nation into something as consequential as war with erratic threats and no strategy,” Schumer said in his statement.

"Confronting Iran’s ruthless campaign of terror, nuclear ambitions, and regional aggression demands strength, resolve, and strategic clarity. The danger of wider, longer, and more devastating war has now dramatically increased," he added. 

Urging Senate Majority Leader Thune, the Democrat wrote, "We must enforce the War Powers Act and I’m urging Leader Thune to put it on the Senate floor immediately. I am voting for it and implore all Senators on both sides of the aisle to vote for it."