Secretary of War Pete Hegseth sharply rebuked CNN during a heated interview Wednesday, accusing the network of attempting to undermine a major U.S. military operation.
In the exchange, Hegseth told a CNN reporter: “You’re trying to undermine a historic operation,” adding that questions about the operation’s cost were “disingenuous” and part of an effort “to find any angle possible to undermine” the mission.
🚨 Secretary of War Pete Hegseth BLASTS CNN: “You’re trying to undermine a historic operation.”
— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) January 7, 2026
“You're asking about the question of cost: it’s a disingenuous question to begin with. You're trying to find any angle possible to undermine.” pic.twitter.com/oh4pmWY5c6
The confrontation stemmed from CNN’s probing into the financial and operational details of a recently executed “historic” joint military and law enforcement raid — described in prior statements as a flawless, high-precision action showcasing America’s strength and bravery under the Trump administration.
Hegseth, sworn in as Secretary of Defense in January 2025 before the department was controversially rebranded the Department of War, has positioned himself as a staunch defender of aggressive military posture and “America First” policies.
Clips of the testy exchange quickly spread across social media, with supporters praising Hegseth for pushing back against perceived media bias, while critics viewed it as another example of the administration’s combative stance toward press scrutiny.
The specific operation in question remains tied to broader national security efforts emphasized by Hegseth and President Trump, highlighting themes of lethality, warrior ethos, and decisive action.