U.S. Defense Secretary Slams Media Over Iran Attacks, Says ‘Anti-Trump Bias in Their DNA’

International News: A sharp controversy has erupted within the United States at both the political and media levels following recent American strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, visibly angered by media reports that questioned President Donald Trump’s claims, launched a scathing attack on the press. He accused journalists of deliberately downplaying the success of the attacks and of pushing an anti-Trump agenda.

Blistering Remarks: “Media Wants Trump to Fail”

Speaking at a Pentagon press briefing alongside General Dan, Hegseth remarked sharply, his tone unmistakably pointed, “Cheering against Donald Trump is in your DNA. You want him to fail. When America took military action against Iran, you should have been proud. Instead, you questioned its effectiveness.” He further alleged that the media’s attitude is not only irresponsible but also detrimental to U.S. national security and its global standing.

DIA Leak Sparks Controversy

The Defense Secretary’s outrage stems from a leaked report by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). According to the assessment, while the strikes did inflict damage on Iran, they may have only delayed its nuclear program by a few months. This directly contradicted President Trump’s bold claim that the U.S. had completely dismantled Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

While the White House did not deny the existence of the DIA report, it clarified that the findings were based on preliminary intelligence and should be considered a low-confidence assessment.

Hegseth’s Sarcasm: “Take a Shovel to Fordo”

Hegseth also mocked media outlets for their lack of ground-level understanding of military operations. Referring to Iran’s underground nuclear site, he said, “If you want to know what’s happening in Fordo, go there yourself—and make sure you take a big shovel.”

Experts viewed the comment as a direct and bitter retort to what Hegseth sees as unfair criticism by the press.

Rising Political Fault Lines Within the U.S.

The divide over America’s actions in Iran is now clearly visible within U.S. domestic politics. While President Trump and his allies are touting the strikes as a strategic success, media outlets and leaked intelligence assessments reflect skepticism and caution. Defense Secretary Hegseth’s aggressive remarks not only underscore the defensive posture of the Trump administration, but also signal that internal disagreements have spilled into the public arena, fueling an ongoing battle between the government and the press.