On Friday, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth expressed his keen interest in seeing David Ellison, the CEO of Paramount Skydance, acquire CNN, criticizing the current media landscape, particularly CNN's coverage of the Iran war. Hegseth, who previously hosted a show on Fox News, highlighted the critical role that media plays in shaping public perception, especially in times of conflict. He believes that Ellison's takeover of CNN would improve the network's reporting and align it more closely with conservative values.

Hegseth's comments come amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, including significant disruptions in oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passageway for global oil supplies. This disruption has resulted in soaring oil prices, which, according to polling data from Reuters/Ipsos, has contributed to growing public discontent in both the United States and Canada over rising gasoline prices. Hegseth's remarks also reflect a broader critique of media coverage, suggesting that many outlets are failing to convey the gravity of the situation accurately.

Furthermore, under Hegseth's leadership at the Pentagon, press access has been limited, which has led to tensions with prominent news organizations such as Fox News, the Washington Post, and Reuters. This restriction on press freedoms has raised concerns regarding transparency and accountability in military reporting, particularly about ongoing conflicts, as fears of economic ramifications tie closely to public sentiment regarding military engagement.