In a bold display of support for U.S. military efforts, President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the media on Thursday, vehemently disputing a preliminary intelligence report indicating that the recent attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities resulted in limited damage. They both argued that this assessment was incomplete and claimed it undermined the valor of the B-2 pilots who executed the mission.
During a news conference in the Netherlands, following a NATO summit, President Trump expressed his discontent with the media's portrayal of the strikes. He said that the pilots involved in the operation felt "devastated" by the implication that their efforts were not entirely successful. "You should be praising those people," Trump insisted, criticizing reporters for attempting to diminish the pilots' accomplishments. The president pointed out the importance of recognizing the bravery and effectiveness of the military personnel involved in the operation.
As questions arose regarding the Defense Intelligence Agency's assessment—which suggested that the bombings of the Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordo facilities only delayed Iran's nuclear ambitions by a few months—Trump reaffirmed his belief that Iran's nuclear program was effectively "obliterated." He emphasized that the report was incomplete, highlighting his dissatisfaction with how the media portrayed the results of the airstrikes.
In a passionate response during the news conference, Secretary Hegseth criticized the media for undermining the success of the military operation. He stated, "There are so many aspects of what our brave men and women did, and because of the hatred of this press corps, [their accomplishments are] undermined." Hegseth's remarks further emphasized the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by the pilots and their support teams in a high-stakes operation.
General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also weighed in, asserting that he had not faced pressure from either Trump or Hegseth regarding military operations. He confirmed that the objectives of the airstrikes were met, stating, "There's nothing that I've seen that suggests that we didn't get exactly what we wanted to hit in those locations." This assertion provided further backing to the claims made by Trump and Hegseth regarding the effectiveness of the strikes.
In a subsequent post on Truth Social, Trump labeled the news conference as "the greatest, most professional, and most confirming" defense of the pilots. He conveyed that he had received communication from Missouri, where the pilots are stationed, indicating their disappointment over the media's portrayal of the operation. "I spoke to one of them. He said, 'Sir, we hit the site. It was perfect. It was dead on,'" Trump recounted, underscoring the disconnect between the pilots' pride in their mission and the media's narrative.
While acknowledging the preliminary damage report, both Trump and Hegseth downplayed its significance. Trump stated that the report indicated severe damage but criticized its premature release, suggesting that a comprehensive assessment should have waited until more information was available. He also referenced an Israeli intelligence report that claimed the strike on Fordo destroyed critical infrastructure, rendering the facility inoperable.
In a statement on social media, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard echoed the sentiments expressed by Trump and Hegseth, asserting that Iran's nuclear capabilities had indeed been compromised. Gabbard criticized the media for selectively leaking information to undermine the military's accomplishments and Trump's leadership. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the successful execution of a historic mission aimed at safeguarding American interests.
As the discourse continues, it is clear that Trump and Hegseth are committed to defending the integrity and success of the U.S. military's actions, while also challenging narratives that they perceive as detrimental to the morale of the troops.
