- Trump called on Fox's Bret Baier to address a report he didn't like, criticizing reporter Jonathan Hunt as one of Baier's 'flunkies' for his coverage of the war in Iran.
- Bret Baier responded by defending Hunt, stating he is not a flunky but a great reporter, and clarified that the network did not say Trump wanted to meet, emphasizing that there are no negotiations.
- Baier also mentioned that Treasury Secretary Bessent is hoping to meet with G-20 countries to increase pressure on Iran, while Gulf State allies, including Qatar, are in Tehran trying to secure concessions.
- Trump's messaging on Iran has been inconsistent, often contradicting statements from his own administration, as seen when his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, indicated negotiations were going well, only for Trump to deny any discussions.
- Congressman Don Bacon, a Republican, urged Trump to "say less" to avoid damaging peace talks further.
- U.S. intelligence chiefs warned Trump against attacking Iran in February, suggesting it could backfire and lead to a more hard-line regime.
Fox News anchor Bret Baier responded to President Donald Trump's derogatory remarks about reporter Jonathan Hunt, who Trump called a 'flunky' for his reporting on the Iran war. During a segment of 'Fox News Special Report,' Baier defended Hunt, stating, 'He’s a great reporter.'12345
Trump criticized Hunt's coverage, claiming it was inaccurate and suggested that Baier should 'straighten out his flunkies.' Baier countered, 'We didn’t say you wanted to meet.' He clarified that the network reported on Treasury Secretary Bessent's hopes to meet with G-20 countries to increase pressure on Iran, not on Trump's personal negotiations.
The incident highlights the ongoing confusion surrounding Trump's messaging on Iran, which has been inconsistent. Earlier, Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, indicated that negotiations were progressing, only for Trump to later assert that no discussions were occurring. This inconsistency has led to calls from Republican Congressman Don Bacon for Trump to 'say less' to avoid jeopardizing peace talks.6
Reports suggest that Trump has been at odds with his staff regarding Iran since before the conflict escalated, with U.S. intelligence chiefs warning him against military action in February, citing potential backlash and the risk of empowering a hard-line regime.8
“Baier clarified that the network never said Trump wanted to meet, noting Treasury Secretary Bessent is hoping to meet with G-20 countries to increase pressure on Iran, and Gulf allies including Qatar are in Tehran seeking concessions. Trump's messaging on Iran has been inconsistent, contradicting his own administration's statements.”
The Independent
