Trump Slams New York Times Reporter Over War Crimes Question

The Times fires back, calling the president's comments 'derisive' and part of a 'pattern' of avoiding 'fair questions'.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:48am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring fragmented shapes and lines in shades of red, white, and blue, conveying the turbulent relationship between the media and the Trump administration.The combative exchange between President Trump and a New York Times reporter highlights the ongoing tensions between the administration and the media.NYC Today

The New York Times issued a statement criticizing President Trump for his 'derisive comments' to one of their reporters, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, after Kanno-Youngs asked Trump about his Easter morning warning to Iran and whether it amounted to war crimes. Trump responded by attacking the Times' credibility and calling the reporter 'fake', rather than engaging with the substance of the question.

Why it matters

This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the media, particularly the New York Times, which Trump has frequently attacked as 'failing' and 'fake news'. The Times' forceful response underscores their commitment to holding the president accountable through rigorous reporting, even in the face of his dismissive and hostile rhetoric.

The details

During a press event on Monday, Kanno-Youngs pressed Trump on his threat to destroy Iranian civilian infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz was not opened by Tuesday. When Kanno-Youngs asked if Trump was concerned his actions could amount to war crimes, Trump responded by attacking the Times' credibility, claiming their reporting on the 2024 election was wrong and that the paper's 'circulation is way down'.

  • On Monday evening, the New York Times issued a statement responding to Trump's comments.
  • Last week, Trump also criticized the New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal for having 'a lot of bad stories' about him.

The players

The New York Times

A prominent American newspaper known for its in-depth reporting and analysis.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who has frequently attacked the media, particularly the New York Times, as 'failing' and 'fake news'.

Zolan Kanno-Youngs

A New York Times reporter who questioned Trump about his threat to destroy Iranian civilian infrastructure.

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What they’re saying

“President Trump's derisive comments to a New York Times reporter today are the latest example in his pattern of answering fair questions with inaccurate attacks.”

— New York Times spokesperson

“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.”

— Donald Trump, President

The takeaway

This exchange underscores the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the media, particularly the New York Times, which Trump has frequently attacked as 'failing' and 'fake news'. The Times' forceful response highlights their commitment to holding the president accountable through rigorous reporting, even in the face of his dismissive and hostile rhetoric.