A dramatic shift has occurred within the Pentagon press corps, the group of journalists tasked with holding the US Department of Defense to account. The change, which began late last year, has seen traditional media reporters replaced by a cadre of pro-Trump online figures and right-wing bloggers.
The Walkout That Created a Vacuum
In October, the landscape of Pentagon reporting was upended. Almost all credentialed reporters from mainstream media organisations chose to surrender their press passes rather than sign a new, restrictive 21-page document dictated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The agreement imposed severe limits on journalistic activities, including a pledge not to obtain unauthorised material, effectively binding reporters to official statements.
This mass walkout created a significant void. Into that space, the Pentagon credentialed dozens of new individuals, many of whom are known for their vocal support of former President Donald Trump. The result is a press corps that, critics argue, has abandoned its watchdog role in favour of sycophantic praise.
A New Breed of Pentagon Reporter
The composition of the revamped press corps is starkly different from its predecessor. It now includes figures from platforms like The Gateway Pundit, an outlet notorious for promoting falsehoods about the 2020 election. Another member is John Konrad, CEO of the maritime news site gCaptain, who has publicly admired Hegseth's "thousand-watt lightbulb of charisma."
Further additions include right-wing influencer Cam Higby, who has suggested Trump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, and a representative from Lindell TV, the media venture of MyPillow founder and conspiracy theorist Mike Lindell.
Uncritical Coverage of Military Action
The new corps's approach was vividly demonstrated following a controversial US military operation in Venezuela, where troops seized President Nicolás Maduro. Instead of scrutinising the action's legality under international law, the response was overwhelmingly celebratory.
The Gateway Pundit hailed it as a "stunning operation." John Konrad used social media to urge thanks for the military personnel involved. LindellTV published an article headlined "FOUR reasons why 'Operation Absolute Resolve' simply ROCKED," dismissing critics as "screeching leftists."
This reporting stands in sharp contrast to the analytical, questioning role expected of a defence press corps. Melissa Wall, a journalism professor, questioned whether these new figures are conducting real journalism or simply "parroting" official lines.
Administration Defence and Future Concerns
The White House has defended the change. Press secretary Kingsley Wilson characterised the departed journalists as "left-wing activists" and claimed the new corps is "dedicated to telling the truth." She pointed to a post-operation press conference at Mar-a-Lago as evidence of continued media access.
However, with President Trump continuing to make aggressive geopolitical statements—including threats to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal—the need for a robust, independent press corps is paramount. Analysts warn that the current incarnation, bound by restrictive agreements and populated by partisan voices, is ill-equipped for this critical task, raising profound questions about accountability and transparency in US defence policy.
