“We just caught the Failing New York Times, working with Fake News CNN, cheating again! They tried to demean the great work our B-2 pilots did, and they were wrong in doing so. These reporters are just BAD AND SICK PEOPLE. You would think they would be proud of the great success we had, instead of trying to always make our Country look bad. TOTAL OBLITERATION!” @realDonaldTrump

Fact-Check Summary

The Truth Social post claims that The New York Times and CNN collaborated to undermine the work of U.S. B-2 bomber pilots involved in Operation Midnight Hammer, accuses the media of “cheating,” and asserts the strikes produced “total obliteration” of Iran’s nuclear program. Extensive fact-checking reveals no evidence of media collusion or cheating; both news organizations independently reported on a leaked Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessment, which indicated significant but not total destruction of Iran’s facilities. While the pilots’ professionalism is universally praised, the claim of “total obliteration” is unsubstantiated—most expert analyses and satellite data confirm substantial, but not complete, damage to underground nuclear assets. The main claims in the post are therefore either false or exaggerated.

Belief Alignment Analysis

Evaluating the post against core democratic values uncovers several areas of concern. The post employs divisive language (“BAD AND SICK PEOPLE”), undermines independent journalism by falsely alleging collusion, and promotes rhetoric that discourages critical inquiry and transparency. Democratic societies rely on checks, accountability, and the ability for the press to investigate government actions—these are not threats, but safeguards. Equating legitimate reporting with “cheating” fosters distrust and threatens the inclusive, informed discourse essential to a free society. The characterization dismisses democratic norms in favor of consolidating political power through disparagement and misinformation.

Opinion

Posts that attack the press without evidence, and that ignore independent expert and intelligence assessments, undermine trust in democracy and weaken public discourse. Rather than celebrating the professionalism of U.S. servicemembers while also engaging constructively with questions about strategic outcomes, the post opts for hyperbole and name-calling. This does not reflect the spirit of a nation governed by principle or shared civic responsibility. In democratic America, robust debate—even of difficult facts—is not a weakness, but a vital strength.

TLDR

There is no evidence that The New York Times and CNN conspired to distort facts about the B-2 mission in Iran. Claims of “total obliteration” are unsubstantiated by military and intelligence assessments, which instead show mixed results. Attacks on the media and exaggeration of military outcomes do not align with democratic or patriotic values.

Claim: The post asserts media collusion to undermine B-2 pilots, labels reporters as “BAD AND SICK PEOPLE,” and claims “total obliteration” of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Fact: There is no evidence of media collusion or cheating; both outlets sourced their reporting from a leaked DIA assessment. The operation caused significant, but not complete, damage to Iran’s facilities. Most experts and official sources confirm that the claim of “total obliteration” is inaccurate.

Opinion: Divisive rhetoric and unsubstantiated attacks on the press threaten democratic norms. Respect for both the free press and the professionalism of U.S. personnel is essential for an informed, unified society.