Story perspectives

Trump calls media treason; $10 B IRS deal sparks scandal

5/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump accused news outlets of treason for Iran war coverage while the Justice Department considered a $10 billion IRS settlement.
President Donald Trump called the reporting the worst and said journalists should be ashamed aboard Air Force One.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth likened some journalists to Pharisees, condemning endless negative coverage.
Senator Elizabeth Warren labeled the settlement a massive scandal and urged Congress to intervene.

History

Historical Context

In August 1971 Nixon’s White House aides compiled a 20-person “enemies” memo targeting journalists and political opponents, a list John Dean disclosed to the Senate Watergate Committee in June 1973. Though no IRS audits occurred, the revelation fueled congressional hearings that produced the 1974 Privacy Act and lasting skepticism of executive abuse.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump accused news outlets of treason for Iran war coverage while the Justice Department considered a $10 billion IRS settlement.
President Donald Trump called the reporting the worst and said journalists should be ashamed aboard Air Force One.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth likened some journalists to Pharisees, condemning endless negative coverage.
Senator Elizabeth Warren labeled the settlement a massive scandal and urged Congress to intervene.

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