The Wall Street Journal refused to correct its reporting that President Donald Trump’s top foreign policy lieutenants are steering him away from striking Iran, leading to prominent conservative calls to boycott the paper.
The report, which suggested Vice President JD Vance was leading an effort to steer President Trump toward further diplomacy first before his alleged preference of military strikes on Iran, has drawn a correction from Vance’s office and criticism from Republicans who say the outlet distorted the administration’s unified approach in presenting all options — diplomatic and military alike — to the president.
The Wall Street Journal on Monday published a story reporting that “some senior administration aides, led by Vice President JD Vance,” are urging President Trump to try diplomacy before authorizing military action against Iran. The article cites unnamed officials claiming Trump “currently favors attacking Iran,” and may even “strike first and then seek serious talks.”
Yet even within the same report, Trump is quoted saying “a meeting is being set up,” showing a clear interest in negotiation. Despite this, the Journal emphasized internal divisions — downplaying that the White House had not yet made a final decision and was actively weighing a range of options.
In a statement to the Journal after the article’s publication, William Martin, communications director to Vice President Vance, said: “The Wall Street Journal’s reporting is not accurate. Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio together are presenting a suite of options to the President, ranging from a diplomatic approach to military actions. They are presenting those options without bias or favor.” (Read More)
