Natasha Bertrand,
Natasha Bertrand is a correspondent covering national security and politics for CNN based in Washington, D.C. Bertrand's robust coverage includes breaking a variety of stories like the widespread use of dumb bombs by Israel in Gaza and the extent of secrecy surrounding Secretary Austin's hospitalization. Bertrand also played a vital role on the team that broke the story of the missing Russian intelligence binder under former President Donald Trump, and was part of the team that won an Emmy for coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine where she was reporting on the ground from NATO. Previously, Bertrand covered national security and politics for POLITICO, The Atlantic and Business Insider. She graduated from Vassar College in 2014 with a dual degree in political science and philosophy.
68%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
86%
Examples:
- The author has a tendency to include anonymous sources that reflect a specific position in their reporting.
- The author uses language that depicts individuals accused of espionage as being untrustworthy.
Conflicts of Interest
50%
Examples:
- There is no clear evidence of conflicts of interest in the author's reporting.
Contradictions
85%
Examples:
- Contradictions found in the article include: operations at the reconnected pier will ramp up with a goal of delivering 1 million pounds of food and other supplies every two days.
- The article states that all eight of the injured have been transferred to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for further medical care. However, a US official told CNN on Monday that only five of them are being treated there and three others were flown back to Jordan for treatment.
- The three US soldiers killed in the drone attack on a US military outpost in Jordan were identified.
Deceptions
62%
Examples:
- The article states that Pedicini gave classified information to citizens and employees of foreign governments at least six different times but does not specify which countries these individuals belong to or what type of information was shared. This lack of specificity makes it difficult for readers to fully understand the extent and nature of the alleged espionage activities.
Recent Articles
US Military Repairs Damaged Aid Pier in Gaza, Preventing Potential Famine
Broke On: Saturday, 08 June 2024A pier for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, damaged by rough seas and high winds in late May, was repaired and reattached to the beach on June 8th. The pier, crucial for delivering food, water, and essentials to Palestinians in Gaza, was initially expected to be operational early in May but faced delays due to bad weather. The overall cost of repairs is estimated at up to $28 million and the pier is expected to deliver approximately one million pounds of goods per two-day period once functional. 
US Defense Secretary and Chinese Counterpart Hold First In-person Talks Since 2022 Amidst Tensions Over Taiwan and South China Sea
Broke On: Friday, 31 May 2024US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Minister of National Defense Adm. Dong Jun held their first in-person talks since 2022 amidst heightened tensions over Taiwan, the South China Sea, and China's support for Russia's defense industrial base. Both sides described the discussions as constructive but it remains uncertain if they will lead to tension easing. 
US Aid to Gaza: Heavy Seas and Security Concerns Delay Unloading of Humanitarian Cargo
Broke On: Thursday, 09 May 2024The US Navy cargo ship carrying $320 million worth of humanitarian aid to Gaza faces delays due to unsafe conditions for operating the floating pier and causeway system, caused by inconsistent wind and wave conditions. The delay could worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. 
Navy Sailor Charged with Espionage for Passing Classified Information to Foreign Government Employee
Broke On: Thursday, 22 February 2024A US Navy sailor has been charged with espionage for allegedly passing on classified information to a foreign government employee. Chief Petty Officer Fire Controlman Bryce Pedicini is accused of failing to report solicitations and delivering documents relating to national defense multiple times between November 2021 and February 2023 in Hampton Roads, Virginia. In May 2023 while in Yokosuka Japan, Pedicini allegedly brought a personal electronic device into a restricted area and processed classified information on an unapproved system. Biden Weighs Options After US Troops Killed in Combat for First Time Since 2018
Broke On: Tuesday, 30 January 2024The Biden administration is considering various options to respond to the recent drone strike in Jordan that killed three US troops. President Joe Biden has vowed retaliation against those responsible for the attack, but he is also weighing whether to escalate tensions with Iran further or pursue a diplomatic solution. The options range from conducting targeted strikes on proxies linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard and Quds Force, to imposing new economic sanctions on Tehran. However, these actions could lead to unintended consequences and increase the risk of conflict in the region. 
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Hospitalized at Walter Reed Military Hospital after Severe Pain
Broke On: Saturday, 13 January 2024US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized at the Pentagon on 22 December and later admitted to intensive care at Walter Reed military hospital in Maryland after experiencing severe pain. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks assumed some of his operational duties while she was on vacation in Puerto Rico.
