Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday sharply criticized CNN's coverage of the ongoing U.S.-led war with Iran and declared he is eager for Trump ally David Ellison to take control of the network through Paramount Skydance's pending acquisition of its parent company.
"The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better," Hegseth said during a Pentagon briefing on March 13, 2026. He dismissed a recent CNN report claiming the Pentagon and White House had significantly underestimated Iran's readiness to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz as "fake news," "patently ridiculous," and "a fundamentally unserious report."
Hegseth on CNN:
— The American Conservative (@amconmag) March 13, 2026
"The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better." pic.twitter.com/NdD4WLJFaP
Hegseth, a former Fox News host and combat veteran, argued that Iran's threats to the vital oil chokepoint were longstanding and predictable. The strait has been effectively closed by Iranian threats and actions against shipping, causing oil prices to surge above $100 per barrel, stock market volatility, and fears of rising U.S. gasoline costs.
Reuters/Ipsos polls show limited public support for the conflict, now in its 14th day since U.S.-Israel strikes began on February 28, 2026.
A CNN spokesperson responded: "We stand by our reporting." Paramount representatives declined to comment. Hegseth's remarks came amid broader tensions with legacy media. Under his leadership, the Pentagon has revoked credentials for about 30 major outlets—including Fox News, The Washington Post, and Reuters—while favoring non-traditional sources.
Recent briefings on Iran operations have invited some mainstream media back but prioritized questions from friendlier reporters.
He also faulted ABC News for reporting on an FBI bulletin warning of possible Iranian retaliatory drone attacks in California. ABC did not immediately respond to comment requests. Hegseth emphasized that the administration routinely deals with what he called "bad" or "ill-informed" reporting but engages to correct inaccuracies without changing operations.