Media News Daily: Top Stories for 12/04/2025

Wall Street Journal Calls for Hegseth Testimony Over Controversial U.S. Boat Strikes

The Wall Street Journal editorial board has demanded that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testify under oath about a second deadly strike in the Caribbean, which reportedly killed survivors of an earlier attack on a suspected drug-trafficking boat. The strikes, carried out in September and exposed by a Washington Post investigation, have led to bipartisan scrutiny. The White House denies claims that Hegseth ordered troops to “kill everybody” and attributes the second strike to Adm. Frank Bradley. Critics argue the administration is stonewalling legal and strategic justifications for the operation, which has resulted in over 80 deaths in 2025. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

Rep. Raskin Challenges CBS Over Trump Interview Editing

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) has asked CBS ombudsman Kenneth Weinstein to explain edits made to President Trump’s recent “60 Minutes” interview, citing concerns over potential editorial interference by Trump. Only 28 of the 90-minute interview were aired, and although a transcript was published, some excluded segments were allegedly removed at Trump’s request. These included Trump’s denial of knowing Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, whom he pardoned, and his remarks about a $16 million Paramount settlement. Raskin has demanded documents and communications related to CBS’s editorial decisions by December 17. (Read More) (Axios Rating)

New York Times Sues Pentagon Over New Restrictions on Journalists

The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense (War), alleging its new press restrictions violate constitutional rights. Implemented in October, the Pentagon’s updated media policy requires journalists to sign a 21-page agreement that limits their ability to gather information, including through off-the-record inquiries. Noncompliance could result in the revocation of press credentials. The lawsuit argues this policy grants the Pentagon unchecked authority and undermines freedom of the press. The Times seeks to halt enforcement and invalidate provisions it claims infringe on the First Amendment. Pentagon officials have not responded publicly. (Read More) (New York Times Rating)