Rep. Mike Waltz Calls for Retraction from PBS NewsHour's Judy Woodruff
- Congressman Mike Waltz demands retrraction of claim made by PBS NewsHour's Judy Woodruff about Trump and Netanyahu.
- The claim involved Trump allegedly telling Netanyahu to reject a hostage deal.
- Waltz calls for rectification of the statement to address the misleading information presented.
CHICAGO, Illinois — Representative Mike Waltz (R-FL) has publicly demanded that PBS NewsHour anchor Judy Woodruff retract her assertion that former President Donald Trump advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against pursuing a hostage deal. During a press briefing at Trump Tower, Waltz challenged Woodruff to substantiate her claims or issue a retraction, emphasizing the need for accountability in reporting. Woodruff's comments, made during a segment on Tuesday, referenced unspecified "reporting" suggesting that Trump was in communication with Netanyahu, urging him to delay a deal that could potentially benefit the Harris campaign. This statement has drawn scrutiny, particularly as Trump himself has denied any recent discussions with Netanyahu, stating that their last conversation occurred during the Prime Minister's visit to Mar-a-Lago in late July. In that meeting, Trump reportedly encouraged Netanyahu to conclude the conflict in Gaza swiftly and decisively. The controversy stems from a report by Axios.com, which claimed a Trump-Netanyahu phone call took place, citing unnamed U.S. sources. The lack of clarity surrounding these claims has fueled Waltz's demand for a retraction, highlighting the ongoing tensions in media reporting on sensitive political matters. As the situation unfolds, the implications of these statements and the call for retraction underscore the critical role of accurate journalism in shaping public discourse, particularly regarding international relations and national security.