Trump Accuses CNN ‘Sleazebags’ of Perpetrating a Hoax

President Donald Trump lashed out at CNN and its reporters in a late-night social media tirade Friday, calling them “sick” and “sleazebags” after a bombshell report exposed secret U.S.-Iran nuclear discussions—including a possible multi-billion-dollar American investment.

CNN’s exclusive story, published Thursday, detailed behind-the-scenes talks aimed at coaxing Iran back to the negotiating table. According to multiple senior sources, the Trump administration had quietly floated the idea of investing $20 to $30 billion in a non-military Iranian nuclear program—one that would be designed to provide civilian energy without the ability to enrich uranium. The report also suggested the U.S. was considering loosening sanctions, potentially giving Iran access to roughly $6 billion currently frozen in foreign banks.

“This is completely fabricated,” Trump raged on Truth Social shortly before midnight. “Who in the Fake News Media is the SleazeBag saying that ‘President Trump wants to give Iran $30 Billion to build non-military Nuclear facilities’? Never heard of this ridiculous idea. It’s just another HOAX put out by the Fake News in order to demean. These people are SICK!!!”

But CNN’s report wasn’t based on speculation. It was backed by four well-placed government sources, including at least one Trump official who told the outlet: “The U.S. is willing to lead these talks. And someone is going to need to pay for the nuclear program to be built, but we will not make that commitment.” Another added that Trump’s Gulf allies—such as Saudi Arabia or the UAE—might fund the effort if the U.S. refused.

In a follow-up post, Trump didn’t just target the report—he went after CNN anchor Abby Phillip, who had nothing to do with the article. “Just watched someone named Abby Phillip lecture her audience on Tariffs and the economy (which is doing record business!),” Trump wrote. “She has absolutely no idea what she is talking about, strictly 3rd rate… LOSERS ALL!!!”

Phillip, a seasoned journalist and Harvard alum, has covered multiple administrations and now anchors CNN NewsNight. Her calm, fact-based reporting has made her a standout voice in an increasingly polarized media landscape.

Trump’s fury comes just days after the NATO Summit in The Hague, where he gave mixed messages about Iran. “We may sign an agreement, I don’t know,” he told reporters. “They had a war, they fought, now they’re going back to their world. I don’t care if I have an agreement or not.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff told CNBC on the same day that America is still pursuing a “comprehensive peace agreement” in the region. “The issue now is how do we help Iran build a civil nuclear program that can’t enrich?” he said.

The leaked discussions underscore a deep contradiction between Trump’s public bravado and the quieter, pragmatic diplomacy happening behind closed doors. And for a president running on “America First,” the idea of funneling billions into Iran—even for peaceful purposes—could prove politically toxic.

As talks with Iran resume next week, the fallout from this revelation is likely just beginning.