Hegseth Slams Media Over Iran Strikes, Trump Shines at NATO

Pete Hegseth's Fiery Pentagon Press Conference

On June 26, 2025, Megyn Kelly kicked off her latest show with a detailed breakdown of a significant Pentagon press conference featuring U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Hegseth delivered sharp criticism of the media, accusing them of bias against President Donald J. Trump and downplaying the success of recent military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer. His pointed remarks, described as 'mic drop moments,' highlighted his frustration with reporters who, in his view, failed to acknowledge the operation's achievements. Hegseth emphasized the historic outcome of the strikes, asserting they dealt a significant blow to Iran's nuclear ambitions.

During the discussion, around the 5:30 mark of the video, Kelly played clips of Hegseth addressing the press corps directly, accusing them of cheering against Trump rather than reporting objectively on the mission's success. His comments underscored a broader narrative of media distrust, a sentiment echoed by Kelly as she criticized the coverage for lacking balance and focusing on unverified leaks instead of confirmed results.

Trump's Leadership at NATO and Media Backlash

The conversation shifted to President Trump's recent appearance at a NATO conference, where he was portrayed as commanding respect from world leaders. At approximately the 25:10 mark, Kelly and her guests from the Ruthless podcast—Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook—discussed Trump's 'Daddy' moment, a term used to describe his authoritative presence during the event. They highlighted how his leadership style has earned admiration from prominent figures, contrasting this with what they described as ridiculous media portrayals that diminish his accomplishments.

The panel expressed frustration with certain journalists, including Jake Tapper and Natasha Bertrand, for their handling of both the Iran strikes and Trump's NATO visit. Around the 30:45 mark, the Ruthless hosts criticized Tapper for lecturing on journalistic integrity while seemingly ignoring the positive outcomes of the military operation. They also pointed out Bertrand's history of questionable reporting, accusing her of spinning narratives that favor certain intelligence community perspectives over factual accounts.

Iran Strikes: Success Amid Media Criticism

A significant portion of the episode focused on the effectiveness of the strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Hegseth, during the Pentagon briefing, stressed that the operation was a decisive success, a point reiterated by Kelly and her guests around the 15:20 mark. They argued that the left-leaning media attempted to downplay the mission by focusing on unverified claims of collateral damage rather than the strategic gains achieved. The panel emphasized that the strikes represented a strong stance by the Trump administration to protect national security interests.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of the operation. The Ruthless hosts noted that this military action sent a clear message about America's resolve under Trump's leadership. They lamented the partisan reporting that, in their view, sought to undermine a significant achievement by focusing on narratives that lacked substantiation.

Zohran Mamdani and the Rise of White Guilt in NYC Politics

Shifting topics around the 40:55 mark, Kelly and the Ruthless team delved into the political landscape in New York City, specifically the rise of Zohran Mamdani as the Democratic mayoral nominee. They attributed his victory in the primary to what they described as 'deranged white guilt' among progressive voters disillusioned with capitalism. The panel expressed concern over the potential implications of a socialist-leaning candidate leading a major American city, questioning whether current Mayor Eric Adams could mount a successful challenge to prevent Mamdani's ultimate win.

The conversation highlighted a broader cultural shift among leftist youth, with the Ruthless hosts arguing that such ideological trends could reshape urban governance in ways that prioritize radical policies over practical solutions. They urged vigilance among voters who value traditional economic and social frameworks.

Additional Commentary and Parodies

Towards the end of the show, around the 50:30 mark, Kelly previewed a parody of Michelle Obama's podcast, set to premiere the following day. She and her guests critiqued what they saw as consistently negative tones in Michelle Obama's episodes and commented on Barack Obama's self-celebratory demeanor in public appearances. This segment provided a lighter, satirical take on political figures while maintaining the show's critical edge on media and cultural narratives.

Overall, the episode underscored a strong defense of President Trump's policies and actions, both militarily and diplomatically, while casting a critical eye on media coverage and emerging political trends in urban centers like New York City. The combination of Hegseth's bold statements and Trump's assertive presence at NATO painted a picture of resolute leadership amid ongoing challenges.