White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called for a retraction from CNN regarding their report that several Democratic leaders were not informed about President Donald Trump’s decision to target nuclear sites in Iran prior to the attack. CNN stated that House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune were notified beforehand while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries were allegedly informed shortly before the public announcement and after the strikes had occurred.
Leavitt took to X to express her concerns, branding the report as “Fake News,” and emphasized that the White House had notified Congressional leaders ahead of the operation, mentioning that Schumer was informed shortly before the strikes and that Jeffries was briefed afterward. CNN acknowledged the feedback, clarifying that Schumer had indeed received a call about an hour before the strikes, but that top intelligence committee Democrats like Sen. Mark Warner and Rep. Jim Himes were not notified at all.
Support for Trump’s military actions appears to divide largely along party lines, but some voices from within the Democratic Party, such as Sen. John Fetterman, supported the decision, highlighting that Iran poses a significant threat as a leading sponsor of terrorism and should not possess nuclear capabilities.
This incident underscores the complexities and tensions surrounding military decisions, as well as the differing perspectives on national security. It illustrates the urgency and high stakes involved in such actions, which often draw significant political discourse in Washington.