President Donald Trump has accused the media of wanting the United States to lose its ongoing conflict with Iran. In a Monday interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump defended the military’s actions and threatened further strikes against Tehran.
Trump claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had been severely reduced. Despite this, he argued that they continue to receive positive media coverage. He expressed his frustration, saying the media wants the U.S. to fail.
All they do is talk and they have fake press. They do very well with the fake press, but because the fake news wants us to lose,Trump stated.
He specifically criticized The New York Times, asserting that the newspaper had suggested Iran was stronger than before the joint U.S.-Israeli military operations.
Trump highlighted the economic pressures on Iran, referencing rising inflation rates. However, he did not specify which article or author he was referring to from The Times.
The president also warned of upcoming U.S. military actions, indicating new strikes were planned. He mentioned the potential targeting of Pickaxe Mountain, a fortified underground site near Iran’s Natanz facility.
Trump claimed that the U.S. surveillance operations are closely monitoring Iran’s activities, noting no resumption of nuclear development at Pickaxe Mountain has been observed.
He further argued that Iran’s leadership could not be trusted with nuclear weapons, suggesting they would utilize them immediately if acquired.
The remarks coincided with U.S. Central Command’s announcement to resume blockades on vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports, with exceptions for humanitarian shipments.
CJ Womack, an associate editor at Fox News since 2026, contributed to this report. He is experienced in media analysis and news reporting and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Journalism from Long Beach State University.