Donald Trump has attacked the media in a characteristically rambling tirade after arriving at a pivotal NATO summit in the Hague to discuss international security
A fuming Donald Trump has branded the media “scum” in a rambling tirade after arriving in the Netherlands for crunch NATO talks.
Mr Trump hit out at CNN and The New York Times, branding both as “scum” after they published leaked reports claiming that US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites did not destroy them fully. The leaked reports contradicts Mr Trump who said the sites had been “totally obliterated.”
“I believe it was total obliteration, I believe they didn’t have a chance to get anything out because we acted fast,” Mr Trump said of the strikes. “It’s hard to remove that kind of material – very hard and very dangerous.” US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the mission and added damage to the site was “moderate to severe” before continuing: “We believe [the damage] was far more likely severe and obliterated.”
Mr Trump’s comments were a continuation of his apparent disapproval with the situation in the Middle East. The US President laid into the media just hours after he dropped an expletive live on TV, saying Iran and Israel “don’t know what the f*** they’re doing” as both countries hammered each other with missile and air raid attacks.
The President’s unfiltered language has been a feature of both his presidential terms, with the Republican regularly hitting out at the media and his opponents. While his frank style has been praised by supporters, it has attracted criticism from detractors who claim it does not meet the tone of serious political events.
Mr Trump arrived at the Hague, in the Netherlands, today and is expected to pressure NATO members to commit to his new interpretation of the post-WWII defensive alliance. The President recently cast doubt on Washington’s commitment to NATO’s Article 5 that states all member states will come to the defence of an ally if it is attacked.
Mr Trump told reporters en route to the Netherlands the US’ commitment to the principle “depends on your definition.” He added: “There’s numerous definitions of Article 5. You know that, right? But I’m committed to being their friends.”
When pressed to clarify what he meant, Mr Trump said he was “committed to saving lives,” although he did not expand on the point.”
But at the summit, Trump appeared to have changed his tone completely. When asked about Washington’s commitment to Article 5, he said: “We are with them all the way.” US officials also appeared pleased with NATO members signing up to raise spending by 5 per cent.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the increase would not have happened without Mr Trump. He added: “his would not have happened… I’m really saying this here, and some people might criticise me, but then when I speak with them they all say, ‘Yes, you’re right’. This would not have happened if you would not have been elected to 2016 and re-elected last year and back into office in January.”