Hegseth accuses media of treason in pugnacious annual address

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth escalated attacks on U.S. media, accusing outlets of 'treason' and comparing them unfavorably to Iranian state media during his second annual State of the Force address at Marine Corps Base Quantico. This marks a sharp rhetorical escalation from a senior U.S. official against the press, potentially signaling increased administration pressure on media coverage of classified information. The remarks are unverified beyond the source's report and may reflect broader political tensions.