During an intense exchange, CNN host Jake Tapper educated Donald Trump on the role of journalists after the president criticized the news network and other media outlets for their coverage of the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites. (Watch the video below.)
Trump referred to the media as “scum” and “fake” for accurately reporting that a preliminary Pentagon assessment indicated that the strikes may have delayed Iran’s nuclear development by a few months, but did not completely destroy its program as Trump asserted. The president specifically targeted CNN’s Natasha Bertrand, who first brought attention to the findings, insisting that CNN should dismiss her “like a dog.”
Tapper delivered a passionate speech, highlighting Trump’s pattern of attacking the messenger and labeling news outlets that reported the analysis as unpatriotic and disrespectful to the military.
The anchor emphasized the mission of the Fourth Estate.
“Our responsibility as journalists is not to praise or protect President Trump, or to criticize him,” Tapper stated. “Our duty is to present the facts. In this instance, the fact remains that an initial DIA intelligence assessment from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon is in existence. No amount of insults from Trump will change that.”
After referencing past instances of government deceit during the Vietnam War, Tapper concluded: “We cannot confirm whether this administration is accurately portraying the events in Iran or not. That uncertainty underscores the importance of reporting what we know, so that the government can learn from it. The media must strive for facts, even if it is uncomfortable. It is our role to question, seek answers, and not simply accept a president’s assertions. History has shown us that the most supportive action for our service members is to hold our leaders accountable, particularly in times of conflict. For journalists, that is the ultimate act of patriotism.”
