Trump intensifies legal threats against CNN and NYT over Iran strike coverage as CBS, ABC settle lawsuits for millions.

Trump Targets Media Over Iran Coverage

President Donald Trump has launched a fresh offensive against major news organizations, focusing on CNN and The New York Times for their reporting on the recent U.S. strike against Iranian nuclear facilities. Trump, known for his decades-long pattern of litigation, has recently expanded his legal campaign against prominent outlets, with ongoing and settled lawsuits targeting CBS News, ABC News, and others.

The president has accused CNN and the Times of disseminating “fake news” after both outlets questioned the effectiveness of the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear programs. Trump’s personal attorney labeled the Times’ reporting as “false,” “defamatory,” and “unpatriotic,” threatening further legal action. Similar threats have been issued to CNN, with Trump expressing a desire to see people prosecuted for leaking classified intelligence assessments related to the operation.

Despite these aggressive tactics, journalists at both organizations say they are undeterred. “These days, threats from the president have become business as usual for journalists. It won’t stop us from doing our jobs,” said New York Times White House correspondent Peter Baker. CNN staff echoed this sentiment, stating the president’s threats do not impact their daily work.

David McCraw, senior vice president and lead newsroom attorney for The New York Times, rejected calls for an apology or retraction. “Americans deserve to know whether the attack on Iran was a success,” he wrote, emphasizing the journalistic responsibility to provide impartial assessments of government actions. “We told the truth to the best of our ability. We will continue to do so.”

Legal Settlements and Industry Impact

Trump’s aggressive legal approach has already resulted in significant financial settlements. On Tuesday night, Paramount Global agreed to pay $16 million to resolve Trump’s lawsuit against CBS News. The funds will cover legal costs and may be directed to Trump’s charitable initiatives. ABC also settled a defamation suit last year for $15 million after its anchor, George Stephanopoulos, made incorrect statements during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace.

Inside CBS, the settlement has generated controversy. “The unanimous view at ‘60 Minutes’ is that there should be no settlement, and no money paid, because the lawsuit is complete bulls---,” said a veteran producer, reflecting internal resistance to yielding to Trump’s legal pressure. However, Shari Redstone, Paramount’s controlling shareholder, supported settling the case to clear the path for a planned multibillion-dollar merger with Skydance Media, which requires approval from the Trump administration’s FCC.

Media analysts suggest Trump’s willingness to pursue lengthy, costly lawsuits poses new challenges for news organizations. “He will go after these media companies that have never been held accountable before for bias,” one executive noted. With lawsuits often filed in southern jurisdictions, news outlets may face prolonged legal battles and potentially unsympathetic courts.

Continued Media Defiance

The administration has also explored whether CNN can be prosecuted over reporting on an app that tracks ICE agents’ locations. CNN maintains its reporting is legal and stands by its Iran strike coverage, noting confirmation by other outlets and acknowledgment by the White House. “CNN stands by our thorough reporting on an early intelligence assessment of the recent strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities,” a spokesperson stated.

As Trump’s legal actions against the media escalate, journalists and news organizations say they remain committed to their mission, defending press freedom while preparing for what could be drawn-out courtroom confrontations.