President Donald Trump has accused parts of the US news media of committing “virtual treason” by suggesting that Iran is performing well in the ongoing war, saying such reports provide encouragement to an enemy of the United States.
Get today's headlines by email 
In a post on the social media platform Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump said media outlets describing Iranian military success were spreading false information and undermining the country during wartime.
“When the Fake News says that the Iranian enemy is doing well, militarily, against us, it’s virtual TREASON,” Trump wrote.
President criticises coverage of conflict
He described such reporting as “false” and “preposterous” and said it could give Iran “false hope when none should exist”.
Trump also accused journalists of helping the enemy by repeating claims about Iranian battlefield performance. “They are aiding and abetting the enemy,” he wrote, adding that some Americans reporting the news were “rooting against our country”.
Definition of treason under US law
Under the United States Constitution, treason is defined narrowly. It applies to individuals who wage war against the United States or who provide aid and comfort to its enemies while owing allegiance to the country.
The president did not suggest that specific individuals or organisations should face legal charges, but his comments reflect a long-running dispute between his administration and major news outlets over coverage of the conflict.
In the same post, Trump repeated earlier claims that US military operations had severely weakened Iran’s armed forces. He said Iran’s naval and air capabilities had been largely destroyed and claimed that leaders in Tehran “are no longer with us”, although he did not provide further details.
Trump has consistently argued that US forces, alongside Israel, have achieved significant military successes against Iran since fighting began.
Ongoing tensions with the media
The president’s criticism of the press has intensified since the start of the war between the United States, Israel and Iran. Trump has repeatedly accused news organisations of misrepresenting the conflict and undermining public confidence in US military efforts.
Earlier this year, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, warned that broadcast licences could be reviewed after Trump accused some outlets of spreading inaccurate reports about the war.
Carr, who was appointed during Trump’s administration, said at the time that the regulator had authority to examine whether broadcasters were meeting their obligations.
The comments were part of a broader confrontation between the White House and sections of the media over the accuracy and tone of reporting about the conflict.
Despite the criticism, US news organisations have continued to report on battlefield developments and statements from officials on all sides of the war.
Trump’s latest remarks underline the ongoing political tension surrounding coverage of the conflict, as the administration continues to defend its military strategy and challenge reporting it considers unfavourable.
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 13 May 2026
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment