Trump Lashes Out at TV Reporter Over Iran War Question

President responds with insults after being asked about impact on Iranian people

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A solitary political figure stands alone in a dimly lit government building hallway, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of melancholy and isolation.The president's defensive reaction to questions about the human toll of the Iran war reflects the administration's strained relationship with the media and growing concerns over the conflict's civilian impact.Washington Today

President Donald Trump turned to insults after being faced with a reporter's question about his Iran war on Monday, calling the reporter's network a 'radical left group of lunatics.' Trump claimed the Iranian people 'want to hear bombs' and are only not protesting because they would be 'shot immediately' if they did.

Why it matters

Trump's combative response to a journalist's question about the impact of the Iran war on civilians highlights the ongoing tensions between the administration and the media, as well as concerns about the human toll of the conflict.

The details

During a White House event, a female reporter from PBS asked Trump how he was 'taking care' of the Iranian people by bombing the country. Trump interrupted her, asking which outlet she worked for, and then insulted her network as a 'radical left group of lunatics.' He claimed the Iranian people 'want to hear bombs' because they want to be 'free,' and said they are not protesting due to fear of being shot.

  • The exchange occurred on Monday, April 6, 2026, following the White House Easter Egg Roll event.
  • Trump is set to hold a news conference on Iran on Monday afternoon.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who is facing criticism over his handling of the Iran war.

Melania Trump

The First Lady who hosted the White House Easter Egg Roll event with the President.

Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour

The head of the Iranian diplomatic mission in Cairo who rejected the latest ceasefire proposal and said Iran only accepts a permanent end to the war with guarantees of no further attacks.

Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf

The Speaker of the Iranian parliament who called Trump's threats against Iran's infrastructure 'reckless.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Well, that's a radical left group of lunatics that you're with.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“The Iranian people, when they don't hear bombs go off, they're upset. They want to hear bombs because they want to be free.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“We only accept an end of the war with guarantees that we won't be attacked again.”

— Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, Head of Iranian diplomatic mission in Cairo

“The threats are reckless.”

— Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Speaker of Iranian parliament

What’s next

Trump is set to hold a news conference on Iran on Monday afternoon, where he is expected to address the ongoing conflict.

The takeaway

Trump's combative response to a journalist's question about the human impact of the Iran war underscores the administration's tense relationship with the media and raises concerns about the civilian toll of the ongoing conflict.