Overview:
President Donald Trump, speaking alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following his departure from the NATO summit, unleashed a familiar tirade against two of the most prominent American news outlets: CNN and The New York Times. Calling them “fake news” and claiming “no one watches,” Trump dismissed their legitimacy in front of international press. However, CNN remains one of the world’s most recognized and widely viewed cable news channels, while The New York Times continues to set the standard in investigative and political journalism with over 9 million subscribers. Trump’s latest attack reopens the long-standing feud between the president and major media — even as those very outlets continue to shape the global conversation.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Departing the NATO summit this afternoon 06/25/25, President Donald Trump didn’t mince words. Joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump pivoted from defense policy to familiar territory: attacking the press.
“CNN is fake news — nobody’s watching them. And the failing New York Times, they’ve been wrong on everything,” Trump said during an impromptu post-summit media availability.
But while the rhetoric landed with Trump’s loyal base, the facts paint a more complex picture.
CNN, founded in 1980, remains one of the most influential media brands on the planet. With its 24-hour global news coverage, CNN reaches over 90 million U.S. households. Moreover, it broadcasts in more than 200 countries worldwide. Its digital platform draws tens of millions of monthly users. While its ratings fluctuate like any cable network, it continues to rank as a top destination for breaking news, international coverage, and live political events.
And then there’s The New York Times, which has withstood wars, recessions, and presidential hostility for over 170 years. Known for its deep investigative journalism, the Times boasts over 9 million digital subscribers. Its coverage spans global politics, culture, technology, and opinion. Its reach extends far beyond print, with a massive digital archive, top-charting podcasts like The Daily, and award-winning video journalism.
Still, Trump’s takedown wasn’t without strategy. His attacks come amid a high-stakes global moment. This is as NATO allies respond to rising tensions in Eastern Europe and renewed military commitments across the West. By refocusing attention on the media — rather than the details of international defense — Trump again shifted the narrative on his own terms.
Viewers:
“They’re losing viewers because people are waking up,” Trump added. “They don’t tell the truth. They work for the Democrats.”
CNN and The New York Times, both of which covered the summit in-depth this week, did not immediately respond to the comments. But in the past, both organizations have defended their coverage as essential to holding public figures accountable — regardless of the political cost.
