Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth escalated his criticism of the media during a Pentagon briefing on U.S. operations against Iran, comparing journalists to the biblical Pharisees. The remarks came amid ongoing tensions over coverage of the conflict and the Trump administration's policies.
Core Facts:
- Hegseth compared journalists to the Pharisees, a group depicted in the New Testament as opponents of Jesus, during a Pentagon press briefing.
- He accused the media of being 'incredibly unpatriotic' and 'relentlessly negative' in its coverage of the Iran war and U.S. military efforts.
Deeper Context:
Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has frequently used religious rhetoric in his public statements since becoming Defense Secretary. His comments on Thursday drew comparisons to President Donald Trump's own use of religious imagery in political discourse.
Reactions and Analysis:
- Steve Bannon, a former Trump advisor, urged Hegseth to focus on military briefings rather than religious rhetoric, calling for a more operational focus.
- CNN's Brian Stelter criticized Hegseth's remarks, suggesting they implied that questioning Trump or the war was akin to doubting Christ.
- The Independent described Hegseth's briefing as 'panicky, angry, and weirdly religious,' highlighting his threats against Iran and criticism of the press.
Policy and Implications:
Hegseth's comments come as the U.S. and Iran are in a ceasefire, with potential peace talks on the horizon. His rhetoric has raised questions about the role of religious language in government communications and the relationship between the administration and the press.