Trump Lashes Out at NYT Reporter Zolan Kanno-Youngs

President Trump dismisses reporter's questions about potential war crimes during press conference

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:40pm

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A dynamic, fragmented painting in red, white, and blue hues depicting a microphone and camera in motion, conceptually representing the turbulent relationship between the media and the former president.The combative exchange between Trump and the NYT reporter reflects the ongoing tensions between the former president and the media.NYC Today

During a press conference, President Donald Trump engaged in a testy exchange with New York Times reporter Zolan Kanno-Youngs, accusing the reporter and the newspaper of being 'fake' and having no credibility. The exchange centered around Kanno-Youngs' questions about whether Trump's threats to bomb power plants and bridges would violate international law.

Why it matters

The confrontational exchange between Trump and the NYT reporter highlights the ongoing tensions between the former president and the media, particularly outlets he has labeled as 'fake news.' It also raises concerns about Trump's willingness to potentially disregard international laws and conventions in the name of national security.

The details

When Kanno-Youngs asked Trump if he was concerned that his threats to bomb power plants and bridges would amount to war crimes, Trump dismissed the question, saying 'No, not at all.' He then launched into a tirade against the New York Times, accusing the newspaper of having no credibility and calling the reporter 'fake.'

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

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who was known for his combative relationship with the media, particularly outlets he deemed as 'fake news.'

Zolan Kanno-Youngs

A reporter for The New York Times who was questioning Trump about potential violations of international law during the press conference.

The New York Times

A major American newspaper that has been a frequent target of criticism from former President Trump.

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What they’re saying

“Deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure violate the Geneva Conventions and international law-”

— Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Reporter, The New York Times

“Quiet, quiet, quiet. You no longer have credibility at The New York Times because The New York Times said, 'Oh, Trump won't win the election,' and I won in a landslide, I won every swing state. New York Times said, 'Oh, Trump won't win the election.' New York Times has no credibility.”

— Donald Trump, Former President of the United States

What’s next

The exchange is likely to further inflame tensions between Trump and the media, particularly The New York Times, which has been a frequent target of his criticism. It remains to be seen if the former president's comments about potentially disregarding international law will have any lasting political or legal consequences.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the combative relationship between the former president and the media, as well as concerns about Trump's willingness to potentially violate international laws and norms in the name of national security. It highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining a free and independent press in the face of political attacks.