President Donald Trump dismissed a reporter’s question about French President Emmanuel Macron’s criticism of the Iran war as “fake news,” but quickly changed his tone after learning that the journalist worked for the conservative outlet The Daily Wire.
The exchange took place outside the White House on Monday, October 19, as Trump answered questions about international developments and the unrest spreading across France.
A Question About the Iran War
Mary Margaret Olohan, a reporter for The Daily Wire, asked Trump about Macron’s statements linking the unrest in France to economic pressures caused by the war in Iran.
“Macron is blaming the Iran war and you, essentially, for the rioting in France right now,” the reporter said.
Trump interrupted and challenged the premise of the question.
“I don’t think he is. I think that’s fake news. Who are you with?” Trump responded.
When Olohan identified herself as a journalist with The Daily Wire, Trump’s tone immediately changed.
“Oh, The Daily Wire is good. Sorry,” he replied.
The exchange was captured on video and subsequently reported by several American news outlets.
Macron Links Economic Pressure to the Iran War
France has experienced widespread demonstrations over rising living costs, fuel prices and deteriorating public services. Some protests escalated into violence, looting and clashes with police.
Macron has acknowledged the economic pressures facing French citizens, including those aggravated by the war involving the United States and Iran.
The conflict began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated military attacks against Iran under Trump’s presidency.
The war has since contributed to instability in global energy markets, increasing pressure on fuel prices and household budgets far beyond the Middle East.
By identifying the conflict as one factor behind France’s economic difficulties, Macron also drew attention to the international consequences of a military campaign initiated by Washington and Israel.
However, Macron has also attributed the violent destruction during France’s protests to extremist groups and criminal activity, distinguishing those responsible from peaceful demonstrators.
Trump Offers a Different Explanation
Trump has separately blamed France’s unrest on immigration and criticized Macron’s handling of border policies.
His explanation differs from Macron’s emphasis on economic grievances and the impact of international conflict.
The protests have multiple contributing factors, including rising prices, concerns about public services and dissatisfaction with the French government. The Iran war has intensified economic pressure but does not, by itself, explain every incident of violence.
An Apology After Learning the Reporter’s Affiliation
Beyond the disagreement over France, the White House exchange attracted attention because of Trump’s immediate change in tone.
He initially rejected the reporter’s question as misinformation, then apologized after discovering that she represented a conservative media organization generally supportive of his administration.
The moment highlighted how quickly a discussion about an international crisis turned into an exchange about the journalist’s media affiliation.
The underlying question remains significant: how much responsibility should the governments that initiated the Iran war bear for its economic consequences in other countries?
By NJ RADAR Team