Power Lines with Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino Trump’s War With Press Escalates, Another Major CBS Journalist Quits Network, and Senators Sound Alarm on Ellison
Mar 13, 2026
A heated clash between the administration and news photographers as coverage of the Iran conflict intensifies. Major departures at a legacy network spark concern about a shift toward opinion-driven coverage. Lawmakers sound alarms over foreign financing tied to a big studio deal and potential influence on news independence.
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Administration Attacks Press Amid Iran War
- The Trump administration is attacking the press instead of explaining its Iran war strategy.
- Oliver Darcy highlights Pete Hegseth banning photographers and press secretary Caroline Leavitt accusing The New York Times of harassment over reporting on civilian deaths.
MAGA Voices Turn Critical Over Iran Strike
- Influential conservative voices including Joe Rogan are publicly questioning the Iran campaign, signaling eroding MAGA support.
- Jon Passantino points to Rogan, Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson and others as evidence the base is uneasy.
Scott MacFarlane Exits CBS Over Weiss Influence
- Scott MacFarlane left CBS because he was uncomfortable working under Bari Weiss's leadership.
- Oliver Darcy says MacFarlane was upset after a brief January 6 segment that both-sided the attack, prompting his exit.