Trump Rallies Behind Defense Secretary, Blasts Media Over 'False' Reports
In a recent social media post, President Donald Trump launched a sharp critique of mainstream media coverage concerning Defense Secretary Hagerty. He dismissed the reports as "completely false and baseless rumors," while offering full-throated endorsement and satisfaction with Hagerty's performance.
Highlighting Key Achievements: From Iran Policy to Military Revamp
Trump outlined several specific accomplishments under Hagerty's leadership:
- Iran Nuclear Stance: The President stated that efforts to counter Iran's nuclear ambitions are "going well," claiming the U.S. has weakened the country and is committed to permanently denying it nuclear weapons.
- Internal Military Reforms: Hagerty is highly respected within the armed forces and has spearheaded significant changes, including the termination of the contentious Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.
- Recruitment Success: Military recruitment numbers have reached historic levels during his tenure.
These points were cited by Trump as evidence of Hagerty's "excellent" work.
Targeting Media Source, Alleging 'Treasonous' Conduct
Trump traced the origin of the rumors to The Washington Post, employing unusually strong language. He labeled the newspaper as "one of the worst media outlets in the business" and escalated his criticism by suggesting that its dissemination of false reporting amounts to an act of "treason." This remark continues his longstanding adversarial stance toward major U.S. news organizations.
The statement has quickly fueled broader debates about government-media relations, the direction of military policy, and the future of the Iran issue. Observers suggest Trump's forceful defense aims to solidify his national security team and set the narrative on pivotal policy fronts.