Trump calls reporter ‘fake’ over Iran war reporting

WorldPolitics
16 May 2026 • 4:44 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Trump calls reporter ‘fake’ over Iran war reporting

  • President Donald Trump labeled New York Times reporter David Sanger as “treasonous” and “fake” during a tense exchange aboard Air Force One concerning coverage of the ongoing Iran war.
  • Trump claimed a “total military victory” in Iran, asserting its military infrastructure was completely dismantled, and accused Sanger and other outlets like The New York Times and CNN of not reporting the truth.
  • He suggested Sanger's reporting was “treason” and that editors dictate what journalists write, telling the reporter he should be “ashamed of yourself.”
  • Trump falsely claimed The New York Times' subscribers were “way down,” despite the paper reporting earlier this month that it surpassed 13 million subscribers and saw a 12 percent increase in total revenue.
  • This incident is consistent with Trump's long-standing combative relationship with the press, which includes previous insults, threats, and accusations of biased coverage.

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