Donald Trump erupted in a furious tirade on Tuesday, branding journalists “scum” after a leaked Pentagon report cast doubt on the strategic impact of recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The leak has triggered a wave of defensiveness among leading Republicans, including Senator Marco Rubio and Fox News commentator Pete Hegseth, who have sought to downplay the revelations.
The leaked assessment, reportedly compiled by senior US defence officials, suggests that the strikes on three key nuclear facilities set back Iran’s capabilities by only a few months. This contradicts the bold claims made by the Trump-aligned right that the mission dealt a decisive blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The document reportedly outlines how Iranian enrichment infrastructure remains largely intact and capable of resuming operations rapidly.
Trump, speaking at a campaign event in Ohio, dismissed the report as a politically motivated fabrication. “They’re scum… scum… scum… scum,” he repeated, gesturing at members of the press. “These are liars who hate this country. The strike was a success. Ask anyone in the military who isn’t a Deep State puppet.”
Senator Rubio also weighed in, calling the leak “a dangerous and irresponsible distortion” of classified defence intelligence. He insisted that the operation had “demonstrated resolve” and “put Iran on notice,” regardless of the technical aftermath. However, the senator declined to address the specifics of the Pentagon’s analysis when pressed by reporters.
Pete Hegseth, a long-time Trump ally and Fox News personality, echoed the outrage. On-air, he accused “liberal saboteurs” of seeking to undermine US credibility and hand Iran a propaganda victory. “This is part of the endless war on Trump. They can’t stand that he’s strong, and they’ll do anything to weaken him—even at the cost of national security,” Hegseth said.
The fallout comes at a crucial moment in the Republican primary campaign, with Trump under renewed scrutiny not only for his foreign policy positions but also for his volatile rhetoric. Critics argue that his reaction to the leak, particularly the repeated slurs against the media, underscores a pattern of authoritarian impulse and scapegoating.
Democratic lawmakers have called for further inquiry into the strike’s rationale and effectiveness, warning that exaggerating its impact could backfire diplomatically and militarily. “If this report is accurate, then the American people were misled,” said Senator Chris Murphy. “And that has consequences—not just at home, but in how allies and adversaries perceive us.”
With Iran signalling no major change in its nuclear posture and ongoing tensions in the region, the political blowback in Washington may ultimately outlast the military moment. Trump’s combative response has only added fuel to a fire that shows no sign of subsiding.
REFH – newshub finance
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