The State of War in Iran Demonstrates Need for Freedom of the Press

Since the beginning of the Iran War, the Trump Administration has been clear in its view that news organizations have an obligation to report developments as they are characterized by governmental officials. It's part of what Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has said is the duty of a "patriotic press." President Donald Trump's frequent attacks on media for stories questioning the progress of the war, framed as "Fake News" by "Corrupt Media Outlets" that hate America, reflect his contempt for a free and independent press as well as news coverage that undermines his narrative that the war is going "very well."