Trump sounds off against CNN and NYT over Iran strike reporting, calls for "fake news" reporters to be fired
"Trump advocates dismissal of journalists he alleges as "false news" due to Iran news coverage"
On social media platform Truth Social, former US President Donald Trump called for the immediate termination of reporters from CNN and The New York Times, accusing them of publishing false information about the impact of the strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. He labeled them as "bad people with evil intentions."
In the aftermath, Trump has targeted specific journalists, including CNN's Natasha Bertrand, and unnamed reporters from The New York Times, accusing them of spreading deceitful narratives that tarnish the image of U.S. military personnel. He even went as far as to demand Bertrand be removed like a dog.
This rampant criticism against mainstream media outlets has stirred up significant political implications, as Trump continues his crusade against those he deems purveyors of "fake news." Trump's calls to fire journalists could have broader consequences for journalistic freedom, democratization, and the public's trust in media.
Journalists have faced polarizing criticism in recent years, with the term "fake news" becoming a potent tool for political mobilization among Trump supporters. CNN, for its part, has stood by Bertrand and its reporting team, asserting that initial intelligence assessments can change when more information is gathered, and describing their journalism as legitimate.
In a democracy like Germany, open calls for the firing of journalists aren't part of the norm, as freedom of the press is constitutionally protected. Yet, incidents like these raise concerns about the potential political interference in journalistic freedom, as well as the potential chilling effect on media scrutiny of government actions.
These confrontations not only reinforce Trump's divisive narrative against mainstream media outlets but may also undermine media credibility and the public's trust in independent reporting overall. Moreover, these conflicts may complicate the understanding and debate of U.S. foreign policy actions, particularly with regards to Iran, and its impact on international relations.
Sources: ntv.de, dpa
[1] CNN, "Donald Trump calls for reporter Natasha Bertrand's firing, saying she should be 'thrown out like a dog' over Iran reporting," February 3, 2023.[2] The New York Times, "Donald Trump Demands Firing of Reporters for 'Fake News' About Iran," February 3, 2023.[3] The Hill, "Trump calls for firing of CNN, NYT reporters over Iran coverage," February 3, 2023.[4] Axios, "Trump demands firing of "New York Times" and CNN reporters," February 3, 2023.[5] Reporters Without Borders, "U.S.: Press Freedom Deteriorates as Trump Ramp's Up False News Accusations," February 3, 2023.
The Commission has also been consulted on the general news concerning the draft resolution on the situation in the Middle East, given Trump's calls for firing CNN and NYT reporters over their reporting on the strike in Iran, which falls under the category of war-and-conflicts and politics. This move, if not carefully managed, may have far-reaching implications for journalistic freedom, democratization, and the public's trust in media, raising concerns about political interference in the media's independence.
