CNN anchor Jake Tapper denounces President Donald Trump’s Friday comments accusing CNN and New York Times correspondent David Sanger of “treason” related to Iran war reporting. Tapper says the criticism is “deranged” and “potentially dangerous,” arguing that reporters are describing facts and that such accusations misapply the constitutional definition of treason. He emphasizes that treason involves levying war or providing aid and comfort to enemies, not reporting or publishing information.
Tapper also points to recent reporting he says aligns with U.S. intelligence assessments that indicate Iran retains some military capabilities. He references the New York Times reporting that U.S. intelligence shows Iran has operational access to most missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz and notes similar points CNN made earlier. Tapper argues the issue is not the outlets themselves but the facts they report and the intelligence information that conflicts with Trump’s claims of a complete U.S. or allied military victory. The outlets’ reporting is described as continuing to contradict the president’s portrayal of the conflict as effectively concluded.
