Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized CNN for its reporting that administration officials had failed to prepare for the possibility of Iran moving to close the Strait of Hormuz if it came under sustained assault. The criticism escalated after several White House officials and Republicans in Congress joined the chorus of criticism. The anger from the Pentagon and White House reflects the pressure the Trump administration is facing to resolve the issue of the closed-off, which has led to increased gas prices and global shortages of fertilizer and helium. The White House responded by saying it is appropriate to comment on how media outlets are run when publishing verifiably false information.