Six members of the United States military lost their lives in the aftermath of Operation Epic Fury. As part of the operation, the United States and Israel conducted joint military strikes against Iran on February 28.
Five of the six deceased soldiers were recognized as Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35; Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42; the other members who were killed were Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39; Spc. Declan J. Coady, 20; and Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45.
During a press conference on Tuesday, March 3, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth accused the media of exaggerating the coverage of President Donald Trump’s actions in the Iran strikes. Hegseth said, “We’ve taken control of Iran’s airspace and water without boots on the ground. We control their fate. But when a few drones get through or tragic things happen, it’s front-page news.”
However, it was what Hegseth said next that drew strong criticism from Congressman Eugene Vindman. The defense secretary said, “I get it, the press only wants to make the president look bad, but try for once to report the reality. The terms of this war will be set by us at every step.”
On Thursday, six American service members were killed in a helicopter crash during a peacekeeping mission in Egypt.
Not one word from Trump.
Not one word from the White House, the Pentagon or the State Department.
Not one word. pic.twitter.com/qQgQ4P76v8
— Roshan Rinaldi (@Roshan_Rinaldi) November 14, 2020
Following this, a CNN reporter asked Vindman about his views on Hegseth’s remarks. The Virginia Representative responded, “That was absolutely disgusting and despicable. And something I’ve never thought I’d hear from a secretary of defense.”
Vindman said that the main focus should be on the loss experienced by the families of the deceased soldiers. He stated that the deaths of the military members should be acknowledged and discussed without bringing a political aspect. He said, “So for the secretary of defense to make this about whether the president looks bad or not is absolutely disgusting.”
CNN analysts Kimberly Dozier and Eric Leighton also weighed in on the issue, urging the authorities to honor the fallen service members and their families. They expressed gratitude and sadness for the sacrifice that the military members made for their country.
Dozier said, “That is what we do. That is part of the compact of U.S. soldiers going to war for their country when they give the ultimate sacrifice, and you’ve got six gold star families now. You honor them; it’s not about politics.”
— Harish Chandra (@HarishChan20246) March 5, 2026
Expressing his views on the issue, Leighton said that members of the military expect their leaders to provide consistent care and support. “That includes everyone from the platoon leader all the way to the secretary of defense and to the president of the United States. So anything that deviates from that is not helpful,” he added.
During his press conference, Hegseth reflected on the history of United States’ policy toward Iran, describing previous negotiations as lengthy and ineffective. He praised Trump for providing the clarity that past leaders never had.
He said, “Unlike the past where vague red lines and endless negotiations let Iran fund terror and inch ever so slightly toward a bomb, this president sees the threat plainly and acts decisively.”
Hegseth further added that Trump’s leadership guarantees a conclusion to all the military operations. He described the president’s strategy as a step to protect American service members.
