Defense Secretary Hegseth Criticizes War Coverage, Endorses CNN Ownership Change

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth recently voiced strong opinions on media coverage of American military operations against Iran and the potential change in ownership of CNN. He specifically criticized news outlets for what he perceived as negative framing of the conflict.

Hegseth particularly objected to television headlines describing the war as "intensifying" or "widening." He suggested alternative phrasing that he believes would align with "an actual patriotic press."

Hegseth proposed headlines should instead convey messages like "Iran increasingly desperate" or "Iran shrinking, going underground."

Criticism of Specific CNN Reporting

The Defence Secretary also singled out a CNN report that cited sources claiming Trump administration officials had not planned for Iran's potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to US-Israeli strikes. Hegseth dismissed this report as "patently ridiculous," noting Iran's historical threats concerning the vital waterway.

Following Hegseth's criticism, CNN added a clarification to the story. Mark Thompson, the network's chief executive, publicly affirmed CNN's journalistic integrity.

Endorsement of David Ellison for CNN

Following his critiques of media coverage, Hegseth made a pointed remark about the future of CNN's ownership.

Hegseth stated, "The sooner David Ellison takes over that network the better."

This comment was widely interpreted as an indication of the Trump administration's interest in influencing media coverage through ownership changes. David Ellison, chairman and chief executive of Paramount Skydance, is currently involved in an agreement to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, which owns CNN. This acquisition requires federal regulatory approval.

President Donald Trump, who has connections with both David Ellison and his father, Larry Ellison, has reportedly expressed a desire for CNN to be sold and for its coverage to be altered. Reports from December indicated that David Ellison offered assurances to Trump administration officials regarding "sweeping changes to CNN" if his acquisition of Warner Bros was successful. Ellison reportedly met privately with Trump at the White House in February.

Reactions and Broader Context

Former CNN Pentagon reporter Barbara Starr responded to Hegseth's comments by highlighting CNN's extensive history of reporting from combat zones.

Starr emphasized the "legal and moral obligation to defend the free press."

Hegseth, who previously worked as a TV presenter, has also taken other actions regarding press access, including prohibiting press photographers from attending his briefings.