Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth launched a sharp attack on Fox News reporter Jennifer Griffin during a Pentagon briefing on Thursday, June 26, 2025, dismissing her reporting as intentionally misrepresentative while she questioned the effectiveness of recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The confrontation occurred during a news conference where Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine addressed leaked intelligence assessments suggesting the strikes had only set back Iran’s nuclear program by months rather than destroying it completely. 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 referenced satellite imagery showing more than a dozen trucks at the site two days before the strike, questioning whether nuclear material had been moved. Hegseth responded by attacking her professional credibility, telling Griffin she had been “about the worst” and “the one who misrepresents the most intentionally.”
The veteran Pentagon correspondent immediately pushed back, defending her reporting accuracy. Griffin noted she had been first to describe the B-2 bombers, refueling operations, and mission details with great precision. “So I take issue with that,” Griffin responded during the heated exchange.
The attack drew widespread criticism from journalism colleagues across multiple news organizations. Fox News’ Brit Hume defended Griffin on air, describing her professionalism and Pentagon experience as unmatched. CNN’s Hadas Gold and Washington Post military reporter Dan Lamothe also voiced support, with Lamothe emphasizing Griffin’s professionalism.
The briefing addressed growing controversy over preliminary intelligence assessments regarding Operation Midnight Hammer, the weekend strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation involved seven B-2 stealth bombers dropping 14 bunker-buster bombs and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles, marking the first operational use of the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator.
Hegseth devoted significant portions of his remarks to attacking media coverage of the leaked Defense Intelligence Agency assessment. He accused outlets including CNN and The New York Times of breathlessly reporting preliminary findings while harboring bias against President Donald Trump. The Defense Secretary characterized the leaked assessment as having an agenda to undermine the mission’s success.
The preliminary intelligence report, labeled as low confidence, suggested the strikes caused severe damage but did not permanently destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Hegseth acknowledged the assessment’s authenticity but disputed its significance, noting it was incomplete and uncoordinated with other intelligence agencies.
Trump closely monitored the briefing, posting on social media during the event and encouraging followers to watch. He also suggested that news organizations reporting on the intelligence assessment would terminate the journalists involved, calling their coverage fake news.
The confrontation highlighted tensions between the Trump administration and media organizations over coverage of the Iran strikes. Hegseth, a former Fox News host, accused reporters of hunting for scandals while failing to acknowledge historic military achievements.
Griffin’s colleagues noted the irony of Hegseth attacking his former Fox News colleague, given their shared network history. The Pentagon correspondent has maintained extensive experience covering military operations and intelligence matters, earning respect across the journalism community.
The briefing came as congressional leaders expressed frustration over limited consultation before the strikes. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers questioned the administration’s characterization of the operation’s success, with some suggesting intelligence was being manipulated to fit political narratives.
During the briefing, Hegseth confirmed the Pentagon and FBI were investigating the intelligence leak. He suggested the preliminary assessment was released by someone with an agenda to make the historic strike appear unsuccessful.
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.
