Trump Accuses CNN of Committing Crime for Reporting Iranian Officials' Statements on Ceasefire

President Trump publicly accused CNN of committing a crime after the network reported statements from Iranian officials regarding a ceasefire plan. Trump claimed CNN knowingly published false information and suggested authorities should investigate the outlet. This marked the second time in three days he targeted CNN for its Iran coverage, following similar accusations on April 11. First Amendment experts, including those cited by Poynter, stated that penalizing news organizations for reporting accuracy would be unconstitutional, as the First Amendment protects press freedom regardless of whether coverage is deemed accurate by government officials. The attack came moments after Trump announced a ceasefire plan with Iran. No actual government investigation or legal action was initiated against CNN as a result of these accusations.

"CNN may have committed a crime by knowingly publishing incorrect statements from Iranian officials" — Posted on Truth Social moments after announcing Iran ceasefire plan, part of sustained three-day attack on CNN's Iran coverage