By Gloria Ogbonna
President Donald Trump launched a sharp critique of establishment media outlets on Monday, arguing that even a hypothetical, unconditional surrender by Iran would be portrayed by major news organizations as a loss for the United States.
In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal — which he mockingly referred to as the “China Street Journal” — and CNN would distort the outcome of any U.S. military success involving Iran.
Trump wrote that even if Iran were to admit defeat, acknowledge the destruction of its navy and air force, withdraw its military forces from Tehran, and formally sign surrender documents recognizing the “great power” of the United States, the media would still frame the situation as an Iranian victory. He accused what he calls the “Fake News Media” of being incapable of crediting his administration with success, regardless of the circumstances.
“The Failing New York Times, The China Street Journal (WSJ!), Corrupt and now Irrelevant CNN, and all other members of the Fake News Media,” Trump wrote, would claim that Iran had achieved a “Masterful and Brilliant Victory over The United States of America.”
The president’s comments reflect his longstanding feud with major media organizations, which has been a defining feature of his political career. Trump has frequently accused leading outlets of bias, misinformation, and deliberate attempts to undermine his administration.
Air Force One Confrontation with NYT Reporter
The social media post followed a tense exchange aboard Air Force One days earlier, when Trump confronted David Sanger, chief Washington correspondent for The New York Times.
During the flight back from China on Friday, Sanger questioned the broader strategic impact of U.S. military operations against Iran, asking what had been achieved after 38 days of bombing if political change had not occurred within the country.
Before Sanger could complete his question, Trump interjected forcefully.
“I had a total military victory,” Trump said. “But the fake news — guys like you write incorrectly. You’re a fake guy, and guys like you write about it incorrectly.”
Trump went on to detail what he described as sweeping military successes, claiming U.S. forces had destroyed Iran’s navy and air force, dismantled anti-aircraft systems and radar installations, and eliminated multiple tiers of military leadership.
“We knocked out their entire navy, we knocked out their entire air force, we knocked out all of their anti-aircraft weaponry, we knocked out all of their radar,” Trump said. He further asserted that U.S. forces had eliminated senior leadership figures across multiple divisions, leaving Iran’s command structure in disarray.
“We’ve had a total victory except by people like you that don’t write the truth,” he added.
Accusations of Bias and “Treasonous” Reporting
Trump concluded the exchange by suggesting that media coverage of the conflict bordered on disloyalty to the country.
“I actually think it’s sort of treasonous, what you write,” he told Sanger, singling out The New York Times and CNN as among the “worst” offenders in his view.
The clash underscores the deep tensions between the Trump administration and major news organizations, particularly over coverage of foreign policy and military actions. Supporters of the president argue that mainstream outlets consistently downplay U.S. achievements and amplify criticism, while critics contend that aggressive questioning of military claims is part of the press’s responsibility.
As tensions with Iran continue to dominate headlines, Trump’s remarks highlight not only the geopolitical stakes but also the ongoing battle between the White House and the media over how those events are reported — and who controls the narrative of victory or defeat.
Source Breitbart
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