Trump wants to punish media for his unpopular war
By Sophia Tesfaye
Published on March 17, 2026.
Donald Trump's administration is in a panic over his decision to pursue an unpopular war against Iran, despite reports that 80% of Iran's capacity to strike Israel has been eliminated. The White House has been using the power of the federal government against journalists, accusing them of "treason" for allegedly spreading Iranian disinformation about the war. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, an avowed partisan ally of the president, also joined the intimidation campaign, warning broadcasters that their licenses may be revoked if they operate in the public interest. The administration's actions, which includes bullying journalists and criminalizing dissent, have been taken from the authoritarian playbook. Despite a recent poll showing 56% of Americans oppose the Iran war, the administration's war is not popular with the majority.
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