Overview
- U.S. Central Command said U.S. forces struck about 140 Iranian targets on July 11 and reported the Strait of Hormuz was open, setting the background for media questions about the conflict.
- During phone calls on July 12, President Trump declined to discuss Iran on CNN and NBC, saying he would not address the subject out of respect for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and telling Jake Tapper he would return for a fuller interview.
- At the end of the CNN call Trump said he was 'trying to have CNN go on a normal path,' a remark that critics have read as an attempt to shape coverage ahead of a future Tapper interview.
- Video clips from the Tapper call prompted widespread criticism of Tapper and other hosts for yielding control of the interview, with journalists and viewers accusing them of being deferential to the president.
- The comment on CNN drew particular scrutiny because the DOJ approved Paramount Skydance’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery in June, a deal expected to close by the end of Q3 and which has raised staff concerns about potential editorial changes.