Trump Lashes Out at 'Failing' New York Times After Reporter Asks About War Crimes

The president dismissed the reporter's question about his threat to bomb Iranian infrastructure amounting to potential war crimes.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, abstract painting in warm colors depicting a repeating, overlapping image of a crumpled newspaper page, conceptually representing the president's combative relationship with the press.Trump's tirade against the New York Times reflects his ongoing battle with the media over critical coverage of his actions and policies.NYC Today

President Donald Trump interrupted a press conference on the ongoing war with Iran to criticize The New York Times as a 'failing' and 'fake' news outlet after he was asked by a Times reporter whether his threat to bomb Iranian infrastructure would amount to war crimes under international law. Trump dismissed the question, saying he's 'not at all' concerned, and then went on a tangent attacking the credibility of the Times.

Why it matters

Trump's combative response to a legitimate question about potential war crimes highlights his ongoing feud with the media, particularly outlets like The New York Times that have been critical of his policies and actions. The president's tendency to lash out at reporters and news organizations that challenge him raises concerns about his respect for press freedom and the role of the media in holding political leaders accountable.

The details

During the press conference, a New York Times reporter asked Trump whether he's concerned that his threat to bomb Iranian infrastructure would amount to war crimes. Trump interrupted the reporter, criticizing the Times' 'failing' circulation and lack of credibility. He claimed the Times had wrongly predicted he would lose the 2024 election, which he says he won in a 'landslide.' Trump also accused the Times of no longer being the 'Old Gray Lady' it once was, and called the reporter 'fake.'

  • The press conference took place on Monday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who is known for his combative relationship with the media and his tendency to lash out at news organizations that are critical of him.

The New York Times

A prominent American newspaper that has been critical of Trump's policies and actions, particularly his threats against Iran.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'The failing New York Times. Your circulation, way down at The New York Times,'”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“'New York Times has no credibility. The credibility they have is it used to be 'all the news that's fit to print.' The Old Gray Lady, it was great. But they're running on past fumes, and you can't keep doing that. You have to be able to give the correct news, and people like you, who I know, are fake. You're fake.'”

— Donald Trump, Former President

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the media, particularly outlets like The New York Times that have been critical of the president's policies and actions. Trump's combative response to a legitimate question about potential war crimes raises concerns about his respect for press freedom and the role of the media in holding political leaders accountable.