In a notable shift in media dynamics, the Pentagon has unveiled a new press corps, which will prominently feature conservative news outlets. This move comes as traditional media organizations largely rejected the accompanying press policy. The policy’s stipulations were considered too limiting by the legacy media.
Pentagon’s New Press Corps Members
The new Pentagon press corps will include a variety of conservative players, such as:
- The Gateway Pundit
- The National Pulse
- Human Events
- Tim Pool (podcaster)
- Just the News, founded by John Solomon
- Frontlines, associated with Turning Point USA
- LindellTV, managed by Mike Lindell
This announcement follows a significant walkout last week by journalists from major news outlets, including The New York Times and CNN. These reporters opted to surrender their Pentagon access badges instead of complying with the new policy.
Comments from Pentagon Officials
Sean Parnell, spokesman for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, shared news of the new corps, which includes over 60 journalists. Among these, 26 previously held Pentagon press credentials. While the identities of these journalists remain undisclosed, Parnell’s message was circulated by several participating organizations.
Response to Media Policy
There is no unanimous agreement even among conservative media. Notably, Fox News and Newsmax were part of the exit from the Pentagon, expressing concerns about the changes.
Criticism of Legacy Media
In his announcement, Parnell labeled the departing journalists as part of a “self-righteous media” who opted to “self-deport” from their roles at the Pentagon. He emphasized a desire to cultivate a new relationship with the restructured press corps.
Barbara Starr, a veteran Pentagon reporter, remarked on the added challenges faced by journalists outside the Pentagon. She stated that while it may lead to more work, the ultimate consequence falls on the American public and military families who seek timely information.
Support for the New Media Direction
Despite the backlash, President Trump has indicated support for the Pentagon’s new media policy, aligning it with broader strategies to reshape news coverage. Newly sanctioned outlets may need to scale up their staffing to meet the demands of their new roles; for instance, Just the News has begun recruiting a dedicated Pentagon reporter.
Jordan Conradson, a White House correspondent for The Gateway Pundit, expressed enthusiasm about joining the new corps, highlighting a commitment to “honest journalism” under the new guidelines. Additionally, Mike Lindell praised LindellTV’s role in this evolving media landscape, asserting their dedication to delivering genuine information.
Conclusion
The establishment of this new Pentagon press corps signifies a critical moment in media relations within the defense sector. As conservative outlets step into roles previously reserved for mainstream media, it raises questions about the future of military reporting and information sharing in the United States.
