Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Attorney General announces indictment of former FBI Director James Comey — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that a federal grand jury in North Carolina had indicted former FBI Director James Comey with threatening Trump. The charges stemmed from an Instagram post Comey made of seashells arranged to spell "86 47," which he deleted and apologized for, stating he was unaware the number could convey violent intent. The DOJ completed its investigation nearly a year later and chose to announce the charges days after the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting.
• Acting Attorney General Blanche announces DOJ evidence in Comey case — On May 3, 2026, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the Department of Justice has "evidence of all sorts" from an 11-month investigation into James Comey that it will present at trial. This statement came as part of the prosecution of Comey on charges related to the Instagram seashell post, which legal experts characterized as a weak case designed to appease Trump.
• Attorney General Blanche addressed selective prosecution of '86 47' posts. — Attorney General Todd Blanche was asked on NBC whether other people would be prosecuted for posting "86 47" or only James Comey. Blanche responded that the phrase is "posted constantly" and "used constantly," stating that "every single case depends on the investigation that is done."

Supporting reports

• Rutgers University cancels graduation speech by alumnus Rami Elghandour over pro-Palestinian social media posts — Rutgers University's School of Engineering rescinded its invitation to tech entrepreneur and alumnus Rami Elghandour to deliver a graduation address scheduled for May 15, 2026, after some graduating students complained about his social media posts regarding Palestine. Dean Alberto Cuitiño informed Elghandour the posts were "opposed to their beliefs" but declined to specify which posts or how many students objected. Elghandour, an executive producer of the Oscar-nominated film "The Voice of Hind Rajab," stated he had planned to speak about kindness and success without compromising beliefs, not Palestine. The university said no replacement speaker would be appointed.

Supporting reports

• FCC accelerates ABC license renewal review following White House attack on Jimmy Kimmel — The Federal Communications Commission, led by Trump-appointed chair Brendan Carr, announced an accelerated review of eight ABC-owned local broadcasting licenses (WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KTRK-TV Houston, KGO-TV San Francisco, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham, and KFSN-TV Fresno). The licenses were not scheduled for renewal until 2028–2031 but now must be filed by May 28, 2026. The action follows the White House's attack on late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over a joke about Melania Trump. The FCC cited an ongoing investigation into Disney's diversity practices as justification, though critics characterize the move as political retribution and regulatory intimidation.
• Federal Communications Commission announced review of ABC's broadcast licenses — On April 28, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission announced it is reviewing ABC's broadcast licenses following a joke made by late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel about First Lady Melania Trump on April 24, 2026. FCC chair Brendan Carr, a Trump loyalist who frequently attacks media organizations, leads the agency.
• FCC orders Disney/ABC license renewal in retaliation for Kimmel criticism — FCC Chair Brendan Carr issued an order directing Disney's ABC to file license renewals for all licensed TV stations within 30 days (by May 28, 2026). The order is widely viewed as retaliation for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel's criticisms of Trump and the network's resistance to Trump administration pressure to fire Kimmel. The FCC asserts the review relates to an ongoing probe into Disney's diversity initiatives, but the timing and context suggest political retaliation. The order initiates a protracted legal process, though ABC has broad legal protections.
• FCC accelerates review of ABC broadcast licenses following Kimmel joke — On Monday, following Melania Trump's public criticism of ABC host Jimmy Kimmel for a joke about her appearance, FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced the agency was expediting its review of eight ABC local broadcasting licenses. Carr denied the action was related to Kimmel's monologue, but the timing and context suggest regulatory retaliation for constitutionally protected speech critical of the Trump family.

Supporting reports

• Katie Phang files federal lawsuit against DOJ over Epstein files — MeidasTouch host and legal analyst Katie Phang filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Justice regarding Epstein files. No further details on the suit's claims, jurisdiction, or filing date are provided in the source text.
• Journalist Katie Phang sues acting attorney general Todd Blanche over Epstein files non-compliance — Investigative journalist Katie Phang filed a federal lawsuit in Washington DC on Monday against acting attorney general Todd Blanche, alleging the Department of Justice violated the Epstein Files Transparency Act by withholding documents and over-redacting disclosures. The act, passed by Congress in November, mandated full release of Epstein-related records by December 19, 2025. Phang seeks a court declaration of DOJ violation, release of all required documents without unlawful redactions, and appointment of an independent special master to oversee compliance.

Supporting reports

• Trump and Melania called for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired over a joke — On April 23, Jimmy Kimmel aired a joke about First Lady Melania Trump's appearance on his ABC late-night show. Two days later, after an assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Trump and Melania publicly called for Kimmel's firing on April 27, characterizing the joke as "hateful," "violent rhetoric," and a "call to violence." FCC Chairman Brendan Carr also pressured ABC to take action. Kimmel denied the joke was a call to assassination.
• Melania Trump issued statement attacking Jimmy Kimmel and demanding ABC take action against him — Melania Trump issued a social media statement attacking late-night host Jimmy Kimmel for a joke made at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner two days prior. Kimmel had joked that Melania had "a glow like an expectant widow." Melania characterized Kimmel's monologue as "hateful and violent rhetoric," called him a "coward," and demanded that ABC network take action to prevent him from broadcasting, stating "People like Kimmel shouldn't have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate."
• FCC Chair Carr threatened ABC affiliates over Jimmy Kimmel — FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened ABC affiliates with enforcement action regarding Jimmy Kimmel's comments about Melania Trump, stating "We can do this the easy way or the hard way." The FCC subsequently launched a review of Disney's broadcast licenses years ahead of the normal schedule. The threat and accelerated review appear coordinated with the president's demand for Kimmel's firing.
• Trump and Melania called for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired — President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump called on Disney and ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over a video in which Kimmel jokingly called Melania an "expectant widow." Trump characterized the joke as a "despicable call to violence." The incident prompted FCC Chair Brendan Carr to threaten ABC affiliates with enforcement action, stating "We can do this the easy way or the hard way," and the FCC subsequently launched a review of Disney's broadcast licenses ahead of schedule.
• Trump called for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired over joke — Trump and Melania called for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to be fired over a joke, according to reporting covered in the briefing's Wednesday section on buried political stories.

Supporting reports

• Speaker Mike Johnson falsely characterized Democratic midterm strategy rhetoric as calls for violence — Speaker Mike Johnson appeared on Fox News and misrepresented a statement by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries about midterm strategy. Jeffries had said "Maximum warfare, everywhere, all the time" when discussing Democratic commitment to Virginia redistricting efforts. Johnson characterized this standard political rhetoric as "effectively calling for war" and "inciting violence," using this false characterization to justify ballroom construction as a security necessity.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration and Republican Congress members launched coordinated media campaign to justify White House ballroom construction following WHCA dinner incident — Following an incident at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, Trump, administration officials, and Republican members of Congress conducted a coordinated media blitz across Fox News, Newsmax, and other outlets to justify construction of a proposed White House ballroom. Trump appeared on 60 Minutes to blame Democrats for "hate speech" while downplaying his fall during the incident. Republican lawmakers introduced multiple bills to authorize ballroom construction, with Senator Lindsey Graham proposing $400 million in federal funding offset by customs fees. Speaker Mike Johnson falsely characterized Democratic rhetoric about midterm strategy as calls for violence to support the ballroom project.

Supporting reports

• Rep. Jamie Raskin questioned on heated Democratic rhetoric; CNN host suggests Democrats bear responsibility for shooting. — Rep. Jamie Raskin appeared on CNN where host Dana Bash asked: "You and your fellow Democrats have used some heated rhetoric against the president. Do you think twice about that when something like that happens?" When Raskin asked what rhetoric she was referring to, Bash responded: "That he's terrible for this country and so on and so forth." The exchange suggested that Democratic criticism of the President bore responsibility for the shooting.
• Trump administration officials and Republican lawmakers blamed Democrats for political violence — Multiple Trump administration officials and Republican members of Congress made public statements blaming Democrats and Democratic rhetoric for inspiring political violence and assassination attempts against Trump. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that "the entire Democrat Party has made their pitch to voters across the country that Trump poses an existential threat to democracy" and that "the left-wing cult of hatred against the president... has gotten multiple people hurt and killed." Senator Rick Scott claimed "Democrats want Trump and Republicans murdered all across this country." Representative Scott Perry attributed violence to "rhetoric from the left, the Democrat Party in particular, that calls Trump a threat to democracy."

Supporting reports

• Trump attacked CBS journalist Norah O'Donnell on 60 Minutes — During a 60 Minutes interview, President Trump lashed out at journalist Norah O'Donnell, calling her "a disgrace" and saying she "should be ashamed" after she read an excerpt from an alleged gunman's manifesto. The interview underwent significant edits, which is notable given CBS's prior settlement with Trump over editing a 2024 Kamala Harris interview. The incident reflects continued pressure on media outlets covering the administration.

Supporting reports

• Media outlets report inaccurate information about shooter's status during WHCA dinner coverage. — Multiple news organizations, including CNN, TMZ, CBS, and others, initially reported that the gunman was "confirmed dead" when in fact he was alive and had not been shot, only shot at. Journalist David Shuster noted that at a dinner honoring White House reporting, the rush to be first instead of being accurate was on full display, highlighting a failure of journalistic standards during a critical national security event.

Supporting reports

• Trump press conference statement on White House Correspondents' Dinner security incident — President Trump held a press conference from the White House Press Briefing Room after 10:30 p.m. on April 25, 2026, following evacuation from the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. He stated that law enforcement had requested the premises be evacuated per protocol and announced the dinner would be rescheduled within 30 days. Trump characterized the incident as "another attempt on his life" and used it to justify enhanced security infrastructure at the White House, including drone-proof and bulletproof measures in the ballroom.
• White House Correspondents' Association dinner security incident and Trump press conference — The White House Correspondents' Association held its annual dinner on April 25, 2026, with President Trump in attendance—a departure from his prior refusals. During the event, law enforcement stopped an armed man outside the venue, prompting Secret Service evacuation of Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other officials. Trump posted updates on social media, then held a press conference from the White House Press Briefing Room after 10:30 p.m., stating the dinner would be rescheduled within 30 days. He used the incident to justify enhanced security measures at the White House, including a "drone proof" and "bulletproof" ballroom.
• Trump Addresses Security Incident at WHCA Dinner — During the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, President Donald J. Trump was evacuated due to a security threat involving an armed individual outside the event. Following the incident, Trump communicated via social media that law enforcement had requested the evacuation and announced plans for a press conference. He later addressed the situation, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures at the White House. The dinner, which he agreed to attend for the first time, was marked by heightened tensions and speculation regarding his remarks about the press.
• Trump Announces Rescheduling of WHCA Dinner — Following the evacuation from the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner due to a security threat, President Trump announced that the event would be rescheduled within 30 days. He stated that law enforcement had requested the evacuation and confirmed that all attendees, including the First Lady and Vice President, were safe.
• Trump Criticizes Security at the White House — In his remarks following the evacuation from the WHCA dinner, President Trump criticized the security of the White House, suggesting that it was not adequately secure and advocating for improvements such as a larger, more secure ballroom. He claimed that the military and Secret Service had long desired these changes for security reasons.

Supporting reports

• Kristi Noem falsely claimed protester Alex Pretti was brandishing gun before killing by immigration officers — Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem wrongly claimed that protester Alex Pretti was "brandishing" his gun before he was killed by immigration officers in Minnesota. She called him a domestic terrorist. Markwayne Mullin, her replacement, initially called Pretti "deranged" at his confirmation hearing but later said he regretted the comment. The false characterization of a killed protester by a cabinet secretary represents a weaponization of official authority to justify lethal force.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon fired Stars and Stripes ombudsman Jacqueline Smith — The Pentagon terminated Jacqueline Smith, the ombudsman for Stars and Stripes, the independent military newspaper. Smith had publicly criticized Defense Secretary Hegseth's restrictions on press freedom within the military. Congress had established the ombudsman position specifically to protect the newspaper's editorial independence from Pentagon control. Smith's farewell column warned that Pentagon leadership has placed "more and more restrictions on the mainstream media" and urged Americans to prevent Stars and Stripes from being "controlled by Pentagon brass."
• Stars and Stripes editor fired for warning about Pentagon editorial control — Tim Richardson with PEN America reported that Jacqueline Smith, an editor at Stars and Stripes (the official Department of Defense newspaper), has been fired after spending months warning readers, the public, and Congress about Pentagon efforts to shift editorial decision-making away from the newsroom and into the hands of political appointees. Smith was terminated for raising these concerns publicly.

Supporting reports

• FBI investigates New York Times reporter after critical coverage of FBI Director Patel — The New York Times reported that Trump's FBI launched an investigation into reporter Elizabeth Williamson last month after she published an article detailing FBI Director Kash Patel's use of an agency SWAT team to escort his girlfriend. Times executive editor Joseph Kahn called the probe "alarming" and "unconstitutional," characterizing it as an attempt to "criminalize routine reporting" and to "prevent journalists from scrutinizing" the Trump administration.
• FBI investigated New York Times reporter for article about Kash Patel — The FBI opened an investigation into New York Times reporter Elizabeth Williamson after she published an article about FBI Director Kash Patel using bureau personnel to provide his girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, with government security and transportation. Agents interviewed Wilkins, queried databases for information on Williamson, and recommended determining whether Williamson violated federal stalking laws. DOJ officials expressed concern the inquiry was retaliation for the article. The FBI later stated investigators were concerned the reporter's "aggressive reporting techniques crossed lines of stalking." NYT Executive Editor Joseph Kahn called the action "a blatant violation of Elizabeth's First Amendment rights" and "unconstitutional."
• Kash Patel denied using FBI to retaliate against reporter — FBI Director Kash Patel appeared on Sean Hannity's Fox News program and denied allegations that he used the FBI to investigate reporter Elizabeth Williamson in retaliation for her article about his girlfriend receiving government security. Patel claimed the reporter's story posed "a direct threat of life" to his girlfriend and characterized himself and his associates as "tough."

Supporting reports

• Major news outlets omit Kushner conflict of interest from 97% of Iran diplomacy coverage — Analysis by Popular Information found that of 202 articles published by major news outlets (New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, CNN Wire, New York Post, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times) covering Kushner's diplomatic role in Iran negotiations from February 28 to April 19, 2026, only six mentioned his financial conflict of interest with Saudi Arabia. This represents 97% of coverage omitting the conflict. Five of the six articles mentioning the conflict appeared in the New York Times; one appeared in Foreign Policy and was republished by the Washington Post. The Wall Street Journal, AP, CNN Wire, New York Post, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, and Los Angeles Times collectively published dozens of articles on Kushner's diplomatic role without mentioning the conflict.
• Kushner leads Iran diplomacy while receiving millions from Saudi government — Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, is leading U.S. diplomatic negotiations with Iran while simultaneously receiving over $110 million in management fees from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) for his private equity fund, Affinity Partners. Kushner raised $2 billion from the Saudi PIF in 2021 and has reportedly sought billions more. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly lobbied Trump to initiate and continue the Iran war. This arrangement presents a direct financial conflict of interest, as Kushner's Saudi payments create incentive to prolong the conflict benefiting his Saudi investors.
• Media coverage analysis reveals 97% of outlets omitted Kushner's Saudi financial conflicts during Iran negotiations — A Popular Information analysis of media coverage from February 28 to April 19, 2026, found that 97% of coverage from major media outlets failed to mention Jared Kushner's multi-billion-dollar business relationship with the Saudi government while he represented the U.S. in Iran negotiations. Kushner's simultaneous diplomatic role and substantial financial interests in a key regional actor constitute a significant undisclosed conflict of interest that received minimal journalistic scrutiny.
• Jared Kushner's financial ties to Persian Gulf governments not widely reported — Major news outlets have not prominently reported that Jared Kushner, the administration's de facto Iran negotiator, has received billions of dollars from Persian Gulf governments. The lack of coverage represents a gap in media scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest in high-stakes diplomatic negotiations.

Supporting reports

• Kash Patel files $250 million defamation lawsuit against the Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a defamation lawsuit in US District Court for the District of Columbia seeking $250 million in damages against the Atlantic magazine and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick over an article published April 17 alleging excessive drinking and unexplained absences during his tenure. Patel's legal team claimed the article was a "malicious hit piece" relying on anonymous sources and accused the magazine of acting with actual malice. The Atlantic and Fitzpatrick have stated they stand by the reporting and will vigorously defend the lawsuit.
• Kash Patel filed $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit in DC federal court against The Atlantic magazine over an article documenting multiple incidents of alleged intoxication while serving as FBI Director. The lawsuit challenges the article's use of anonymous sources and claims the publication engaged in a "deliberate and malicious smear." The article cited dozens of sources including current and former FBI officials, law-enforcement and intelligence agency staff, hospitality workers, members of Congress, and political operatives.
• FBI Director Kash Patel files $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic magazine. The Atlantic stated it stands by its reporting. The lawsuit represents a high-stakes legal action by a law enforcement leader against a news organization over published reporting.
• Patel sues The Atlantic for $250 million defamation — FBI Director Kash Patel sued The Atlantic magazine and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick on Monday for defamation, seeking $250 million in damages over a story published Friday alleging Patel engaged in excessive drinking, unexplained absences, and conduct that alarmed colleagues. The Atlantic's story was based on interviews with more than two dozen sources including current and former FBI officials, intelligence agency staff, and members of Congress, all speaking anonymously. Patel's complaint claims the article is "replete with false and obviously fabricated allegations" published with "actual malice," but legal analysis suggests his case faces significant obstacles under defamation law for public figures.
• FBI Director Kash Patel filed $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic — On April 21, Kash Patel sued The Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick for $250 million for publishing "a sweeping, malicious, and defamatory hit piece" full of "obviously fabricated allegations." The suit denies that Patel drinks to excess and claims this has never been a source of concern across government. The Atlantic stated it stands by its reporting and will vigorously defend against the lawsuit.
• — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic on April 21, 2026, in response to an article alleging he has alarmed colleagues with excessive drinking. Patel's complaint characterizes the article as "a sweeping, malicious, and defamatory hit piece." According to Popular Information, the complaint itself actually confirms several key aspects of The Atlantic's reporting, suggesting the lawsuit may be a strategic effort to intimidate press coverage of the FBI Director.

Supporting reports

• Major news outlets omit Kushner conflict of interest from 97% of Iran diplomacy coverage — Analysis by Popular Information found that of 202 articles published by major news outlets (New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, CNN Wire, New York Post, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times) covering Kushner's diplomatic role in Iran negotiations from February 28 to April 19, 2026, only six mentioned his financial conflict of interest with Saudi Arabia. This represents 97% of coverage omitting the conflict. Five of the six articles mentioning the conflict appeared in the New York Times; one appeared in Foreign Policy and was republished by the Washington Post. The Wall Street Journal, AP, CNN Wire, New York Post, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, and Los Angeles Times collectively published dozens of articles on Kushner's diplomatic role without mentioning the conflict.
• Media coverage analysis reveals 97% of outlets omitted Kushner's Saudi financial conflicts during Iran negotiations — A Popular Information analysis of media coverage from February 28 to April 19, 2026, found that 97% of coverage from major media outlets failed to mention Jared Kushner's multi-billion-dollar business relationship with the Saudi government while he represented the U.S. in Iran negotiations. Kushner's simultaneous diplomatic role and substantial financial interests in a key regional actor constitute a significant undisclosed conflict of interest that received minimal journalistic scrutiny.
• Jared Kushner's financial ties to Persian Gulf governments not widely reported — Major news outlets have not prominently reported that Jared Kushner, the administration's de facto Iran negotiator, has received billions of dollars from Persian Gulf governments. The lack of coverage represents a gap in media scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest in high-stakes diplomatic negotiations.

Supporting reports

• FBI Director Kash Patel denies excess drinking allegations and threatens lawsuit against The Atlantic — The Atlantic published a report on April 18, 2026, citing allegations from two dozen current and former officials that FBI Director Kash Patel drinks to excess, has been unreachable during his tenure, and has had security detail difficulty waking him. Patel denied the allegations and threatened to sue The Atlantic, posting on X that the story was "false" and a "hit piece." The report also noted concerns among officials about Patel's fitness to lead the agency and public safety implications.
• FBI Director Kash Patel portrayed as poor manager with alcohol issues and security concerns — An article in The Atlantic by Sarah Fitzpatrick portrayed FBI Director Kash Patel as a poor manager who is terrified of losing his job, whose overuse of alcohol, tendency to disappear, and purges of FBI agents who had investigated Trump endangers national security. Fitzpatrick noted that Patel has retained his position by using the FBI to target Trump's perceived enemies, but his focus on matters like whether FBI merchandise looks "fierce" has led officials to conclude "we don't have a real functioning FBI director."
• Atlantic reports concerns about FBI Director Kash Patel's conduct — The Atlantic published a report describing multiple current and former officials' accounts of FBI Director Kash Patel exhibiting a pattern of excessive drinking to the point of obvious intoxication, missed meetings, and periods of being unreachable during critical moments. In one instance, he reportedly told allies he had been fired over a routine IT issue, causing widespread confusion and calls to the White House. Morale inside the FBI is described as collapsing, and officials are raising national security concerns about the leadership. Patel denies everything and says he will sue.
• Atlantic publishes article on Kash Patel's management and conduct — Sarah Fitzpatrick published an article in The Atlantic on April 18 portraying FBI Director Kash Patel as a poor manager who fears losing his job, whose overuse of alcohol, tendency to disappear, and purges of FBI agents who investigated Trump endanger national security.
• Kash Patel denounces Atlantic drinking problem story; announces defamation lawsuit — FBI Director Kash Patel responded to an Atlantic article alleging he has a serious drinking problem affecting his work by posting on social media and appearing on Fox News, denying the allegations and vowing his lawyer will file a defamation lawsuit on Monday. The Atlantic reported multiple instances of Patel's erratic behavior, including a panic-driven "freak-out" when he believed he had been locked out of a work computer, and accounts from officials describing "obvious intoxication" at private clubs and difficulty waking him during work hours.

Supporting reports

• Trump holds Oval Office press conference with Joe Rogan, bans press questions — Trump held a press conference in the Oval Office alongside Joe Rogan focused on psychedelic drugs. He then kicked the press out before questions could be asked, preventing journalists from questioning him about the Strait of Hormuz closure, collapsed talks, and other major developments.
• Trump ejects reporters from Oval Office when asked about Iran claims — Trump kicked reporters out of the Oval Office on Saturday when they attempted to ask questions about his Iran peace claims, including a question from CBS reporter Olivia Rinaldi about vessels allegedly fired upon by Iranian gunboats. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) criticized the action, stating "The Strait of Hormuz just closed again today, and the press are demanding answers on behalf of the American people. Trump kicks them out of the Oval Office. Shameful."

Supporting reports

• Pete Hegseth attacked press for insufficient patriotism in war coverage — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth held a press conference attacking the press for what he characterized as relentlessly negative coverage and insufficient patriotism in reporting on the war. He compared journalists to Pharisees in a biblical analogy, stating they were "there to witness, to write everything down, and to report" with "hardened hearts" and "politically motivated animus" that blinded them to "the brilliance of our American warriors." He accused the media of peddling "garbage" and questioned which side some journalists were on.
• Pete Hegseth compares press to Biblical Pharisees at Pentagon briefing — At an 8 AM press briefing at the Pentagon, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth compared the American press corps to the Biblical Pharisees, stating that the media, like the Pharisees, witness miracles but have hardened hearts. This came after Trump faced significant backlash for posting an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus. The article notes this represents an escalation of religious comparisons rather than a retreat from the controversy.
• Pete Hegseth quoted non-biblical text as scripture at Pentagon prayer service — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth incorporated what he claimed was a Bible verse at his monthly Pentagon Christian prayer and worship service, attributing it to Ezekiel 25:17. The verse he quoted—"And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to capture and destroy my brother"—was actually written by screenwriter Quentin Tarantino for the 1994 film Pulp Fiction and recited by a character before committing murder. The text does not appear in the actual Bible.
• Hegseth took questions only from conservative and far-right media outlets — During his press conference, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth took questions exclusively from OAN (One America News Network), Real America's Voice, Daily Wire, and Just the News—all conservative or far-right media outlets. He did not take questions from mainstream or independent news organizations.
• Hegseth claims China assurances on Iran weapons shipments — When asked about intelligence reports suggesting China is preparing weapons shipments to Iran during the ceasefire, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth responded that "China has assured us that is not going to happen." The article notes the irony of relying on China's assurances while the Trump administration is in the middle of a catastrophic trade war with China.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge dismisses Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against Wall Street Journal — A federal judge dismissed President Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal over its reporting on an alleged 2003 letter Trump purportedly wrote to Jeffrey Epstein. Judge Darrin Gayles found that even accepting all of Trump's allegations as true, the lawsuit failed to meet the legal standard for defamation, specifically the requirement of "actual malice." The judge noted that WSJ reporters had sought comment from Trump and published his denial, demonstrating investigation and fairness. The dismissal was without prejudice, allowing Trump to refile.

Supporting reports

• Justice Department settles lawsuit alleging Biden State Department social media censorship — The Department of Justice announced settlement of litigation alleging the Biden State Department censored disfavored speech through its Global Engagement Center by funding private companies' development of technologies to suppress protected speech online. The settlement implements President Trump's Executive Order on "Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship." The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas had denied the government's motions to dismiss and transfer venue, finding good cause for discovery. The settlement avoids continued litigation.

Supporting reports

• Trump attacked multiple media figures and political allies on Truth Social — President Trump posted a lengthy tirade on Truth Social personally attacking Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, Alex Jones, and Marjorie Greene, calling them "stupid," "NUT JOBS," and "LOSERS." He criticized their media presence, questioned their intelligence, and suggested they were disloyal to MAGA. The post came hours after Melania's Epstein statement and Trump's claim he was unaware of it beforehand.
• Trump attacked former allies over Iran war opposition — At 4:28 p.m., President Trump's social media account posted attacks on former allies Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones, who do not support Trump's war in Iran. Trump called them "stupid people" and claimed their families and everyone else knows it. He reiterated his false claim of winning in a "LANDSLIDE" and suggested MAGA voters love him, while characterizing those opposing his Iran adventure as "not 'MAGA'" and "losers, just trying to latch on to MAGA."

Supporting reports

• Blue Origin positioned for Golden Dome satellite contracts following Jeff Bezos's Washington Post editorial shift toward Trump — Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, is expected to compete for Golden Dome satellite work. Bezos has prioritized improving relations with Trump by converting the Washington Post editorial board into a conservative mouthpiece. Trump has responded positively, praising Bezos as a "good guy" trying to be "more fair" at the Washington Post. The positioning of Blue Origin for major defense contracts follows Bezos's strategic effort to align the Post's editorial stance with Trump's political interests.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens journalist and demands source disclosure under threat of prosecution — Trump stated his administration will contact and potentially jail the reporter who published an article revealing that a second U.S. F-15E pilot was missing, unless the journalist discloses the name of the person who leaked the information. Trump characterized the disclosure as "leaking" and threatened prosecution.
• Trump threatens to jail journalists for revealing military information — During a White House press conference, President Trump threatened to jail journalists from an unnamed media outlet if they do not identify their source who revealed that a second U.S. airman was missing after Iran shot down a U.S. fighter jet. Trump stated the administration would tell the media company "national security, give it up or go to jail."