Story perspectives

Newsom Slams Hegseth for Ignoring Service Members' Deaths

3/5/2026

Left

Newsom Criticizes Hegseth

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for prioritizing media coverage over six service members' deaths.
During a Pentagon update, Hegseth said media aimed to make President Donald Trump look bad.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Hegseth, saying administration expects accurate reporting on military successes.
CNN's Kaitlan Collins pressed Leavitt on coverage of the six service members' deaths during a joint U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign in Iran.

Right

Newsom Questions Military Action

California Governor Gavin Newsom claimed that U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran killed children, and the claim lacks independent verification.
During a press briefing, he questioned U.S. President Donald Trump's rationale for the military action.
No credible sources confirm civilian casualties from the strikes, which targeted military sites.
Gulf allies, including Saudi Arabia, condemned Iranian aggression and affirmed solidarity with the U.S.

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Newsom Criticizes Hegseth

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for prioritizing media coverage over six service members' deaths.
During a Pentagon update, Hegseth said media aimed to make President Donald Trump look bad.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Hegseth, saying administration expects accurate reporting on military successes.
CNN's Kaitlan Collins pressed Leavitt on coverage of the six service members' deaths during a joint U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign in Iran.

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