A White House press briefing turned tense this week as Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins clashed over media coverage of U.S. troop deaths connected to the escalating conflict involving Iran.
The exchange followed renewed attention to the deaths of 6 American service members during retaliatory attacks linked to the ongoing U.S. military operation referred to by officials as “Operation Epic Fury.” U.S. defense officials said the troops were killed in strikes attributed to Iranian-backed forces after recent American military actions in the region.
During the briefing, Collins asked Leavitt about remarks from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticizing the way some outlets report on military casualties. Collins referenced comments suggesting that coverage of troop deaths often becomes headline news in ways that can shape political narratives around military operations.
Leavitt responded sharply to the question.
“You know you are being disingenuous,” Leavitt said during the briefing, disputing the suggestion that the administration was criticizing coverage of the deaths themselves.
Collins replied by reiterating the question and referencing Hegseth’s earlier remarks about media reporting.
“I don’t think covering troop deaths is trying to make the president look bad,” Collins said.
Leavitt continued to challenge the framing of the question and criticized CNN’s coverage of the conflict.
“The press does only want to make the president look bad. That’s a fact,” Leavitt said during the exchange.
She then addressed Collins directly.
“Listen to me — especially you and especially CNN,” Leavitt said.
Defense Department statements confirmed that six U.S. troops died following strikes carried out by forces aligned with Iran after recent U.S. military actions in the region.
Pentagon officials said the attacks occurred amid ongoing operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure and allied militias. The military campaign has involved airstrikes and coordinated operations aimed at limiting the operational capabilities of Iranian-backed groups operating in multiple areas of the Middle East.
According to defense officials, the retaliatory attacks involved missiles and drones launched toward locations where U.S. forces were stationed. Military assessments of the attacks and the broader operational situation remain ongoing.
The deaths of the six service members have prompted additional questions from reporters during daily White House briefings about casualty figures, force protection measures, and the scope of current U.S. military operations in the region.
During the briefing, Collins continued pressing the administration about whether officials believed news coverage of the casualties had been unfair or politically motivated.
Leavitt rejected that interpretation and reiterated criticism of the network’s reporting.
“You’re trying to make a point about the president,” she said.
During the White House briefing hours later, Leavitt also said President Donald Trump planned to attend the dignified transfer of the fallen service members.
Collins later referenced that transfer while asking whether it was “the position of this administration that the press should not prominently cover the deaths of U.S. service members.”
Leavitt rejected that characterization and instead argued that news coverage should focus on the broader military campaign.
“No, it’s the position of this administration that the press in this room and the press across the country should accurately report on the success of Operation Epic Fury and the damage it is doing to the rogue Iranian regime that has threatened the lives of every single American in this room,” Leavitt said.
She added that if Iran had the opportunity, “they would kill every single person in this room,” and said Americans should be “very grateful” to U.S. service members who are willing to risk their lives during the conflict.
Officials have said additional information about the fallen service members will be released after families are notified. The Pentagon typically releases names and service details after confirmation procedures are completed.
Featured image by Mandel Ngan/Getty Images
