Trump has no patience for CNN. Why should he?
And President Trump eviscerated a CNN reporter to their face for asking this question.
President Donald Trump didn’t hold back when a CNN reporter dared to question whether Iran respects his warnings, delivering a takedown that showcased his no-nonsense approach to foreign threats.
The showdown unfolded during a flight on Air Force One, heading back to Washington, DC, from Palm Beach, Florida.
In the midst of a press gaggle, the reporter fired off her query: “Do you think Iran takes your threats seriously?”
Trump shot back with confidence, turning the tables on the network known for its constant criticism of him.
“I think so, don’t you think so, CNN?” Trump shot back.
He piled on the evidence of his tough stance, reminding everyone of the decisive actions that have kept America’s enemies in check.
“Wouldn’t you say that they probably do at this point, after going through it for years with me? Being hit, Soleimani, al-Baghdadi, the Iran nuclear threat wiped out…And then you just had Venezuela,” Trump continued.
The president made it clear that his track record speaks for itself, leaving no room for doubt about his resolve.
“Wouldn’t you say they do, after all of the things we’ve done? What a stupid question,” he said.
CNN: Do you think Iran takes your threats seriously? @POTUS: "Wouldn't you say that they probably do at this point, after going through it for years with me?… Soleimani, al-Baghdadi, the Iran nuclear threat wiped out… What a stupid question." pic.twitter.com/lE1Ygwu5px
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 12, 2026
This clash came amid growing unrest in Iran, where ordinary people are rising up against the oppressive regime led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Trump had already voiced America’s support for the demonstrators, declaring on Saturday that the United States “stands ready to help.”
Earlier in the same flight, Trump called out the same CNN reporter for dodging her affiliation, exposing the media’s sneaky tactics.
When another journalist asked if Iran had crossed his red line for action, Trump didn’t beat around the bush: “They’re starting to, it looks like.”
He pointed to the regime’s brutal crackdown, saying, “There seemed to be some people k*lled that aren’t supposed to be k*lled.” Trump also added that “the military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options.”
The CNN reporter then pushed for details on those plans. Trump wisely shut that down, refusing to tip his hand to adversaries or the press that often twists his words.
“Why would I tell you that…Are you asking me to say what will I do, where will we attack, when, and at what angle will we attack from? Who are you with?” he stated.
She tried to sidestep by claiming she was just part of the White House press pool, but Trump wasn’t buying it. Finally, under pressure, she admitted to working for CNN, the network Trump has long labeled as unreliable.
