Trump Lashes Out at 'Demented' War Coverage as U.S. Troops Die in Iran Conflict

The former president rages against media reports on damage to U.S. Air Force refueling planes in Saudi Arabia.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 5:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former President Donald Trump unleashed a series of angry Truth Social posts criticizing media coverage of the ongoing U.S. conflict with Iran, accusing major news outlets like The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and others of intentionally misleading the public and wanting the U.S. to "lose the War." Trump's outbursts came as the U.S. Central Command confirmed the deaths of six service members after a refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq, raising the total U.S. troop death toll from the Iran war to 13.

Why it matters

Trump's attacks on the media's war reporting reflect his long-standing pattern of lashing out at negative coverage, even as American lives are being lost in the conflict he helped escalate. The president's focus on press coverage rather than the human toll of the war raises concerns about his priorities and ability to provide steady leadership during a crisis.

The details

According to reports, five U.S. Air Force refueling planes were struck and damaged at the Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia during an Iranian missile attack. While the planes sustained some damage, four of the five were quickly returned to service, with only one requiring more extensive repairs. Trump accused the media of intentionally misrepresenting the extent of the damage in order to make the U.S. appear weak, despite the fact that the reports he criticized were largely accurate.

  • On March 14, 2026, five U.S. Air Force refueling planes were struck and damaged at the Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia.
  • On March 16, 2026, the U.S. Central Command confirmed that six service members died after a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq.

The players

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old former president who was known for his combative relationship with the media and tendency to lash out at negative coverage, even during times of crisis.

The Wall Street Journal

A major U.S. newspaper that reported on the damage to the U.S. Air Force refueling planes in Saudi Arabia, which Trump criticized as "intentionally misleading."

The New York Times

Another major U.S. news outlet that Trump accused of wanting the U.S. to "lose the War" with Iran through its coverage.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Yet again, an intentionally misleading headline by the Fake News Media about the five tanker planes that were supposedly struck down at an Airport in Saudi Arabia, and of no further use.”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“Their terrible reporting is the exact opposite of the actual facts! They are truly sick and demented people that have no idea the damage they cause the United States of America.”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

What’s next

The U.S. military is investigating the cause of the KC-135 refueling aircraft crash in western Iraq that killed six service members. The Pentagon has not yet determined whether the incident was due to hostile or friendly fire.

The takeaway

Trump's fixation on media coverage rather than the human toll of the Iran conflict raises concerns about his priorities and ability to provide effective leadership during a crisis. The ongoing war has already claimed the lives of 13 U.S. troops, underscoring the need for sober, responsible reporting and decision-making from the nation's leaders.