The White House has launched a aggressive rebuttal against an ABC News report alleging that Iran planned drone strikes on California in retaliation for Operation Epic Fury.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused the network of spreading misinformation by omitting that the FBI warning was based on “unverified” intelligence. Leavitt demanded an immediate retraction, asserting that no credible threat to the United States homeland currently exists while criticizing the media for intentionally inciting public alarm. The controversy stems from an internal FBI alert regarding unidentified vessels off the California coast. While the news report suggested a potential surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles, the Trump administration clarified that the source material lacked specific details regarding timing or perpetrators. Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the situation, noting that state intelligence teams are actively working to protect California, though he similarly downplayed the immediate validity of the reported threats. Amidst this clash with the media, the White House continues to defend its broader military strategy against the Iranian military. Although Leavitt confirmed that the primary goal of Operation Epic Fury is the destruction of terrorist proxies, President Donald Trump faces mounting scrutiny over whether the administration is covertly pursuing regime change. This dispute underscores the growing tension between government officials and journalists over the handling of raw national security intelligence.
