The Pentagon is drawing scrutiny this week after limiting access to a series of rare press briefings, allowing only a hand-picked group of newly credentialed media organizations chosen by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
According to The Associated Press, the decision comes at a time when lawmakers in both chambers are launching investigations into U.S. military strikes on suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific — incidents that have already prompted public controversy.
According to Hegseth’s team, the restricted briefings are part of a special onboarding process for a revamped Pentagon press corps made up largely of conservative outlets willing to operate under new rules for media conduct.
Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson is scheduled to brief reporters on Tuesday, followed by Hegseth on Wednesday.
Most major news organizations vacated the Pentagon earlier this fall rather than agree to the new operational rules.
The Defense Department says the guidelines are “common sense” measures aimed at preventing the spread of classified information. But several outlets argued the rules would effectively require them to report only what the Pentagon approved.
Despite losing physical access, journalists have continued reporting.
The Washington Post recently published details alleging that Hegseth ordered a second strike in September on a vessel carrying suspected drug smugglers because not all passengers were killed in the initial attack.
President Donald Trump has said Hegseth denies that claim, which critics warn could constitute a war crime if proven true.
Major outlets, including The Associated Press, CNN, Reuters, Newsmax, and The Washington Post, confirmed Monday that their requests to attend the briefings were rejected.
“Denying access to briefings to credible and nonpartisan news media that routinely cover the Pentagon is not conducive to transparency for the American public, who fund the department’s budget to the tune of many hundreds of billions of dollars per year,” said Marc Lavine, North America regional director for Agence France-Presse, which was also denied access.
The Pentagon said Wilson’s briefing is strictly for “credentialed press only” as part of the orientation event. Officials would not say whether future briefings will follow the same restrictions.
During Trump’s second term, Pentagon briefings have become sporadic, a sharp departure from previous administrations.
It also remains unclear whether the sessions will be viewable by the public. AFP said it was told that livestream access was not available.
Some members of the new Pentagon press corps shared photos online Monday showing off their official badges. Among them was Trump ally Laura Loomer, who posted a picture from a previously occupied Washington Post desk, writing, “Now it’s mine!”
Washington Post reporter Dan Lamothe responded on X: “May it treat you well on your occasional trips to Washington, Laura. I assume it’ll sit empty much of the time, as it has for weeks now.”
Other newly credentialed reporters include Alexandra Ingersoll and former Rep. Matt Gaetz, representing One America News.
OAN president Charles Herring said Ingersoll is expected to broadcast live from the Pentagon this week after conducting an interview with Hegseth that aired Nov. 20.
Rob Bluey, president of The Daily Signal, said he plans to attend the briefings with reporter Bradley Devin if final credential issues are resolved.
Bluey said his outlet often faced access challenges before the Trump administration but welcomed consistent standards.
“Generally,” he said, “I think that when government agencies err on the side of transparency, it is to the benefit of the American people.”
