Trump admin uses media to blame military leaders for failures in Iran: analysis
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks next to President Donald Trump during a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 29, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo
Former National Security Council and State Department staffer Emily Horne warned that the Trump administration is orchestrating a coordinated messaging campaign to blame military leadership for Iran war failures.
Speaking to The New Republic, Horne characterized leaked videos and press stories as "White House plants" designed to shift responsibility from President Donald Trump's decision-making to alleged military intelligence failures. She argued the administration is creating a narrative suggesting Trump lacks reliable information from military leaders rather than acknowledging poor strategic choices.