PoliticsDonald Trump Melts Down Over ABC's 'Fake' Segment on the Iran War as He Threatens More Attacks
Donald Trump referred to the network as 'ABC Fake News.'
Sept. 2 2026, Published 3:29 p.m. ET
President Donald Trump erupted in a social media meltdown after ABC News aired a minute-long segment detailing the administration's plan to increase economic pressure on Iran amid an ongoing conflict.
The segment, reported by chief White House correspondent Mary Bruce, reported that the administration sought to "turn up the economic pressure" as the two nations traded direct military strikes for the first time since June.
'I’m Not Trying to Force Iran to the Bargaining Table'
Donald Trump denied the ABC News report.
While on World News Tonight With David Muir, Bruce said, “The Trump administration is trying to turn up the economic pressure on Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent saying they are going to, quote, ‘economically asphyxiate Iran and force them to the bargaining table.”
That comment was the catalyst for Trump’s outrage.
“I’m not trying to force Iran to the bargaining table, as ABC Fake News reported,” the POTUS said. “I couldn’t care less if they sign a worthless agreement with them. I like our position now much better, with almost total control of the Strait of Hormuz and their economy collapsing. They are just playing out the inevitable. When are the Iranian people going to rise up and fight?”
Donald Trump has posted 'mission accomplished' memes despite the war still going on.
In responses posted on Truth Social, Trump fiercely lashed out, labeling Iran a "Failed Nation" and declaring it "DEAD!"
Trump confirmed the U.S. was targeting areas near the Strait of Hormuz, claiming it was in retaliation for Iran's failed attempt to deploy sea mines.
Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles at two U.S. military bases in Jordan, all of which Trump claimed were successfully intercepted.
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The POTUS Threatens Another Attack
The POTUS threatened that there will there 'be very little left of the Islamic Republic of Iran!'
Despite sharing an AI-generated "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED 2026" image, Trump's military campaign has lasted far longer than the quick resolution he initially promised.
“If the failed Nation of Iran retaliates for this very justified attack, they will be hit again at a much harder and higher level, but it will not be the biggest attack of them all, that is waiting in the wings and, when it is over, there will be very little left of the Islamic Republic of Iran!” Trump threatened.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded to Donald Trump's threats of violence by claiming the country will 'reciprocate' attacks.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian laughed off Trump’s taunts, saying the nation would “reciprocate.”
The U.S. naval blockade has severely damaged Iran's economy, but Iranian strikes have successfully crippled shipping lanes through the critical Strait of Hormuz. Traffic has plummeted from 130 vessels per day to a fraction of that, spiking global energy costs.
Speaking on the state of the conflict and negotiations over the closed shipping lanes, University of Chicago political scientist John Mearsheimer noted, “It's very simple... He has no choice. He lost the war. This is a devastating defeat for the United States.”
