President Donald Trump snapped at a New York Times reporter on Monday during a press exchange. Trump dismissed the outlet as failing and stated it has zero credibility. The confrontation occurred after a question regarding potential strikes on Iranian power plants.
New York Times White House correspondent Zolan Kanno-Youngs asked Trump if he was concerned about committing war crimes. This was in reference to threats to bomb nuclear facilities in Iran. Trump mocked the outlet before adding he has no such concerns regarding international law in this conflict.
"Who are you with?" Trump asked the reporter. "Oh, the failing New York Times. The circulation is way down at The New York Times."
Kanno-Youngs shouted out that the threatened acts could violate international law as Trump attempted to move on. Trump then turned his attention back to lay into the publication. He told the reporter to be quiet and argued the paper has completely lost the trust of the American people.
"Quiet, quiet. You no longer have credibility at The New York Times," Trump told Kanno-Youngs. He pointed out that the outlet incorrectly predicted he would lose the election before his landslide victory. Trump reminded the press corps that he won every swing state.
"The New York Times has no credibility," Trump continued. "The credibility that they have used to be all the news that’s fit to print. The old, grey lady."
He argued the publication is running on past fumes and failing to report the news accurately. "You have to be able to give the correct news and people like you, who I know, are fake," Trump stated. "You’re fake."
Trump previously threatened to obliterate Iranian power plants and bridges if an agreement is not reached. The administration is demanding an end to the war and the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump clarified to Kanno-Youngs that he hopes to avoid bombing nuclear facilities but will ensure Iran never obtains nuclear weapons.
"Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!" Trump posted on Easter Sunday. He warned the regime to open the strait or face severe consequences.
The United States and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury on February 28 in a joint effort to strike Iran. The administration maintains they have been in talks with Iranian officials to negotiate peace. However, Iranian officials have repeatedly denied that these negotiations are taking place.