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

accused the newspaper of publishing fabricated facts about Iran and vowed to add its reporting to his existing multibillion-dollar legal action.

IRAN — Donald J.Trump labeled The New York Times‘ coverage of Iran “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 FailingNew 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 accused The New York Times of publishing fabricated information about Iran, describing the newspaper’s reporting as “fake” and “made up.” He said the outlet’s coverage constituted criminal behavior and called the publication “corrupt and failing.”

The president said he plans to fold the newspaper’s Iran reporting into his existing multibillion-dollar lawsuit against The New York Times. Trump has pursued legal action against several major news organizations during his political career, framing such suits as efforts to hold outlets accountable for coverage he considers inaccurate.

Trump’s use of the word “treasonous” to describe journalism raises questions about potential chilling effects on press coverage of sensitive foreign policy matters. Media freedom advocates have long warned that presidential attacks on news outlets can discourage aggressive reporting on topics of significant public interest, including diplomatic negotiations and military operations abroad (see truthsocial).

The post did not specify which New York Times stories prompted the criticism or identify particular claims Trump considers fabricated. Iran has been a frequent subject of U.S. foreign policy coverage in recent weeks, and Trump’s reference to a “battered and beat up Iran” suggests ongoing tensions between the two nations.

In the last 30 days, 13 of 631 Trump posts on Truth Social addressed the topic of media bias, according to a Zenger analysis of his posting activity. The frequency underscores how criticism of mainstream news organizations remains a recurring theme in the president’s public communications.

Source: Zenger analysis
Note: Table generated by NewsFindr on June 23, 2026 at 12:16 PM EST

Source: Zenger real-time database of all Truth Social posts.
Note: Chart generated on June 23, 2026 at 12:18 PM EST