President Slams Reporting on Iran Strike as ‘Unpatriotic,’ Says His Reputation Was Damaged
U.S. President Donald J. Trump has threatened to take legal action against The New York Times and CNN, accusing the media outlets of spreading what he called “false and unpatriotic” information about a classified U.S. military operation targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
The backlash follows a report published Thursday by The New York Times, which cited a preliminary intelligence assessment suggesting that the recent U.S. airstrike on Iran failed to fully dismantle the country’s underground nuclear enrichment facilities. CNN aired similar findings in a segment the same day.
“This is another coordinated smear job,” Trump wrote on social media. “Fake News Times and Totally Corrupt CNN are pushing Iranian propaganda during a national security crisis. They will be held accountable.”
Trump’s Lawyer Contacts Times, Demands Retraction
According to the Times report, Trump’s personal attorney Alejandro Brito sent a formal communication to the paper, claiming the article had damaged the president’s personal and professional reputation. While no lawsuit has yet been filed, sources within Trump’s legal team suggest defamation and reputational harm are the primary grounds under consideration.
Brito has also indicated that CNN may receive a similar notice.
“We believe this was reckless, malicious reporting designed to harm the president at a sensitive moment,” Brito told reporters Friday afternoon. “All legal options are on the table.”
Background: The Iran Strike and Fallout
Earlier this month, the United States launched a high-profile military strike on suspected Iranian nuclear sites following escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Initial White House statements claimed “maximum damage” to Iran’s enrichment program.
However, the Times’ investigation, citing unnamed intelligence officials, claimed the strike left key facilities “partially operational,” raising concerns among analysts that Iran’s nuclear timeline may have only been slightly delayed rather than disrupted entirely.
