Report: Pentagon Bans Press Photogs from Briefings Because of ‘Unflattering’ Hegseth Pics
A new edict by the Pentagon is reportedly barring press photographers from briefings did to “unflattering” images of War Secretary Pete Hegseth. Photographers from major wire services — including the Associated Press…
A new edict by the Pentagon is reportedly barring press photographers from briefings did to “unflattering” images of War Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Photographers from major wire services — including the Associated Press, Reuters and Getty Images — were at a March 2 Pentagon briefing, when Hegseth appeared alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine. The two gave their first update on Operation Epic Fury after initial strikes started Feb. 28.
When images from the event circulated, Hegseth’s aides complained internally about how the defense secretary looked in the photographs, per The Washington Post Wednesday.
Two people familiar with the situation spoke anonymously to The Post.
Even though they spoke anonymously out of fear of retaliation, they claimed some staffers found the pictures “unflattering.”
Photographers were then barred from two subsequent briefings — on March 4 and March 10, the sources alleged. Since then, only Defense Department staff photographers have been permitted inside the briefing room, the sources said.