President Donald Trump has escalated his verbal dispute over recent US air strikes in Iran by demanding that CNN and The New York Times retract their reports. On Thursday, a lawyer representing Trump sent legal letters to the two news outlets, asserting that their coverage was false and defamatory.

CNN and The New York Times Respond

A spokesperson for CNN confirmed that the network had received Trump’s letter and unequivocally rejected its claims. The New York Times publicly shared its response, stating that no retraction would be issued and that no apology would be offered. They maintained, “We told the truth the best we could. We will continue to do so.”

Background on Trump’s Legal Actions

This move is consistent with Trump’s long history of using litigation and legal threats, dating back to his business career. Over the past year, he has stepped up his legal campaign against major media outlets, including CBS, drawing criticism from First Amendment experts who see these actions as attempts to intimidate the press.

Intelligence Evaluation and Administration Response

Trump’s lawyer, Alejandro Brito, argued in the letter that the June 24 reports by CNN and The Times were inaccurate and damaging to Trump’s reputation. These reports detailed an initial American intelligence evaluation that contradicted Trump’s claim that Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites had been “completely and totally annihilated.”

Administration officials acknowledged the evaluation’s existence but asserted that it had low confidence and had been leaked to undermine Trump. Officials promised investigations into the leaks, and Trump stated that such actions should be prosecuted.

Trump’s Personal Attacks on Media

Trump also lashed out at CNN and The Times in personal terms, even suggesting that a CNN reporter be fired. CNN defended its journalists, emphasizing their precise and public-interest-driven coverage. Similarly, The Times’ top lawyer, David E. McCraw, responded that it was irresponsible to suppress intelligence evaluations and that Trump’s threats to silence the press were even more dangerous.

McCraw added that the American public has a right to know whether the attack on Iran, funded by taxpayers, was a success. He stated, “It would be even more irresponsible for a president to use the threat of a defamation lawsuit to try to silence a publication that dared to inform that trained intelligence experts, professionals, and patriots used by the US government.”

Expert Insights and Future Implications

Media experts warn that Trump’s legal tactics could have chilling effects on press freedom and the ability of journalists to report on sensitive issues. They argue that such threats undermine the free flow of information essential for democracy.

As the battle between Trump and the media continues, it raises important questions about the role of the press in holding power to account. For readers interested in understanding the broader context, it’s crucial to follow the ongoing developments and their potential impact on journalistic integrity and public information.

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