During a Pentagon briefing on Thursday, June 26, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth strongly criticized Fox News reporter Jennifer Griffin, accusing her of deliberately distorting her coverage as she questioned the effectiveness of recent U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
The incident took place at a news conference where Hegseth and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, discussed leaked intelligence reports indicating that the strikes had delayed Iran’s nuclear program by only a few months instead of eliminating it entirely. Griffin, Fox News’ chief national security correspondent, asked whether the Pentagon had certainty that all highly enriched uranium remained at the Fordo facility during the attack.
Griffin cited satellite images that revealed over a dozen trucks at the location two days before the attack, raising concerns about whether nuclear materials had been relocated. In response, Hegseth criticized her professionalism, claiming Griffin was “about the worst” and accusing her of being the most deliberately misleading.
The experienced Pentagon reporter quickly responded, standing by the accuracy of her work. Griffin pointed out she was the first to report on the B-2 bombers, refueling procedures, and mission specifics with remarkable detail. “So I take issue with that,” Griffin responded during the heated exchange.
The attack prompted broad condemnation from journalists at various news outlets. On Fox News, Brit Hume openly supported Griffin, highlighting her exceptional professionalism and extensive experience covering the Pentagon. CNN’s Hadas Gold and Dan Lamothe, a military reporter for the Washington Post, also offered their backing, with Lamothe specifically noting Griffin’s expertise and integrity.
The press briefing focused on the intensifying debate over early intelligence reports tied to Operation Midnight Hammer, the weekend assault on three Iranian nuclear sites at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The mission included seven B-2 stealth bombers releasing 14 bunker-buster bombs, as well as Tomahawk missiles launched from submarines. Notably, it marked the first time the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator was used in combat.
Hegseth spent much of his statement criticizing how the media covered the leaked Defense Intelligence Agency report. He accused news organizations like CNN and The New York Times of sensationalizing early findings and showing bias against President Donald Trump. The Defense Secretary suggested the leaked assessment was intended to cast doubt on the mission’s effectiveness.
The initial intelligence report, described as having low confidence, indicated that the strikes inflicted serious damage but fell short of completely eliminating Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Hegseth confirmed the report’s authenticity but questioned its importance, arguing it was both incomplete and not coordinated with other intelligence agencies.
Trump paid close attention to the briefing, posting updates to social media during the event and urging his supporters to tune in. He also claimed that news outlets covering the intelligence report would fire the journalists responsible, dismissing their reporting as fake news.
The confrontation highlighted tensions between the Trump administration and media organizations over coverage of the Iran strikes. Pete Hegseth, previously a host on Fox News, criticized reporters for focusing on uncovering scandals rather than recognizing significant military accomplishments.
Griffin’s peers highlighted the irony of Hegseth criticizing a fellow Fox News alum, especially considering their shared professional background. Known for her deep experience in reporting on military and intelligence issues, the Pentagon correspondent has earned widespread respect among fellow journalists.
The briefing occurred as members of Congress voiced their dissatisfaction with the lack of thorough consultation before the strikes. Lawmakers from both parties raised concerns about the administration’s portrayal of the mission’s outcome, with some arguing that intelligence might be used to serve political purposes.
At the briefing, Hegseth acknowledged that both the Pentagon and FBI were investigating the source of the intelligence leak. He suggested that the initial assessment may have been shared by someone seeking to downplay the success of the operation.
The exchange underscored broader tensions between the Trump administration and press coverage of military operations. Hegseth has restricted media access within the Pentagon, confining reporters to designated areas and limiting unescorted movement, breaking with decades of precedent.
The journalism community’s defense of Griffin demonstrated cross-network solidarity despite competitive pressures. Multiple reporters from rival organizations publicly supported her professionalism and accuracy, with some noting the attack was particularly unfair given her extensive military reporting experience.
The incident occurred as questions persist about the strikes’ long-term impact on Iran’s nuclear program. Military officials acknowledged that final damage assessments would require additional time, while debates continue over whether the operation achieved its strategic objectives of neutralizing Tehran’s nuclear weapons capabilities.