"Aides are making urgent preparations at this hour for Trump to address the nation, per @jeffzeleny. The specific timing TBD & could be delayed given we are still learning info but two officials say a speech is being prepared and plans are being made for Oval address," CNN reporter Kaitlin Collins tweeted Tuesday night.
So, many concerned Americans waited by their computers and TVs to see what the president had to say about Iran's missile attack on military bases in Iraq Tuesday night where several U.S. troops are stationed. But, the speech never materialized because it was never the White House's plan, according Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham. She condemned CNN for "irresponsibly" saying so.
This is not true - was never true - & no one even attempted to confirm with the press office before tweeting. In a race to be first to break news, the public once again falls victim to irresponsible “reporting” by @CNN @jeffzeleny @kaitlancollins https://t.co/7NdGlevoCO
— Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) January 8, 2020
CNN defended Zeleny's and Collins's report, and then accused Grisham of being an outcast in the administration.
The most shocking thing about this statement is that the @presssec is completely out of the loop in her own shop. CNN's reporting that preparations were being made for an address was 100 percent accurate, and was confirmed with multiple WH officials. Nice try.
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) January 8, 2020
Other outlets, like the Washington Post, pounced on the conflicting reports to depict the White House as being a flurry of "confusion" and "embarrassment" as tension escalates with Iran.
What we do know, is that the president did not address the nation last night. But, he was briefed on Iran's newest aggression as events unfolded and "is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team," Grisham shared.
President Trump said that he will deliver a statement on Iran Wednesday morning.
All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020