CNN's Jake Tapper Defends Iran Coverage Amid Trump Criticism

Following President Donald Trump's military strikes on Iran's nuclear sites and his claims of complete success, CNN reported that an early Defense Intelligence Agency assessment suggested the damage was less severe, setting back Iran's program only by months. Trump strongly criticized CNN, calling the network's reporting fake news and demanding the firing of reporter Natasha Bertrand. In response, CNN anchor Jake Tapper delivered a passionate defense of the network and Bertrand, emphasizing the low-confidence nature of the DIA assessment, the ongoing nature of the intelligence analysis, and CNN's efforts to verify the story by consulting the White House. Tapper condemned the Trump administration's hostile treatment of the media, accusing it of unfairly targeting journalists and labeling them unpatriotic for accurately reporting intelligence. He stressed that the media's role is to question authority and press for facts regardless of political pressure, while also honoring the troops who carried out the strikes. CNN stands fully behind its journalism and reporter Bertrand amid the administration's attacks.