Pete Hegseth Goes Off On CNN At Pentagon Presser, Says “The Sooner David Ellison Takes Over That Network, The Better”

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth gave another media critique at a Pentagon press conference on Friday, this time singling out a CNN report that the Trump administration underestimated the war’s impact on the Strait of Hormuz . The strait, controlled on three sides by Iran, is the choke point for shipping from the region. The report , citing unnamed sources, was that Trump’s national security team “failed to fully account for the potential consequences of what some officials have described as a worst-case scenario now facing the administration.” Hegseth said, “Patently ridiculous, of course. For decades Iran has threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This is always what they do. Hold the Strait hostage. CNN doesn’t think we thought of that. It’s a fundamentally unserious report. The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better.” Watch on Deadline Ellison is the CEO of Paramount, which has a deal in place to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of CNN. A CNN spokesperson said of Hegseth’s comments, “We stand by our reporting.” More to come. Must Read Stories Hide Articles Prime Video Australia Seeks Own ‘Maxton Hall’ As YA Craze Continues Opening Film ‘I Love Boosters’ Review & Red Carpet Gallery; Hot List; More TV Festival Unveils The Overseas Dramas Tipped For Success ‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Tracking 2026- Best $160M+ Domestic Bow Read More About: Comments Subscribe to Deadline Get our Breaking News Alerts and Keep your inbox happy. Sign Up No Comments Cancel reply Submit a comment Comments On Deadline Hollywood are monitored. So don't go off topic, don't impersonate anyone, and don't get your facts wrong. Comment Name Email Website Δ