Donald J.Trump calls New York Times Iran coverage “treasonous” and threatens lawsuit

accuses the newspaper of publishing fabricated facts about Iran and vows to fold the claims into his existing multibillion-dollar legal action.

NEW YORK — Donald J.Trump branded the New York Times’ reporting on Iran as “treasonous” and threatened to expand his lawsuit against the newspaper in a Truth Social post on June 22, 2026, at 9:30 AM CT.

Here is the full post (see truthsocial): “The way the Corrupt and Failing New York Times is covering stories on a very battered and beat up Iran, through FAKE & MADE UP “FACTS” is, in my opinion, “TREASONOUS.” I will be adding all of their false and ridiculous reporting to my multi Billion Dollar lawsuit against them. They are Criminals! President DJT”

Trump directed his sharpest language at the newspaper’s coverage of Iran, calling the reporting based on fabricated information. He described Iran as “very battered and beat up,” a characterization that appeared to reference ongoing geopolitical tensions between Washington and Tehran. The president signed off the post with “President DJT,” a signature he often appends to his most pointed public statements.

The threat to fold the Iran reporting into his existing legal action signals a widening of Trump’s multibillion-dollar lawsuit against the New York Times. Trump has previously pursued legal claims against media organizations he accuses of publishing false or defamatory material. The latest post suggests Iran-related coverage could become a new front in that litigation.

Labeling journalism as “treasonous” carries significant weight given the legal definition of treason under federal law, which involves levying war against the United States or aiding its enemies. Press freedom advocates have warned that such rhetoric from a sitting president can chill reporting on sensitive national security matters (see truthsocial). The accusation raises questions about how aggressive executive-branch language directed at specific outlets may shape newsroom decisions on diplomatic and military coverage.

Courts have historically set a high bar for public officials seeking defamation judgments against media organizations under the actual-malice standard established in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan. Whether the addition of Iran-related claims alters the trajectory of the case will depend on the specific allegations and evidence Trump’s legal team presents.

None of Trump’s 631 Truth Social posts in the past 30 days focused on media criticism or the sub-topic of mainstream press coverage, according to Zenger analysis of Truth Social data.

Source: Zenger analysis

Source: Zenger real-time database of all Truth Social posts.
Note: Chart generated on June 23, 2026 at 3:30 AM EST