Mark Schiefelbein/AP photo
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hasn’t had much success in getting media organizations to agree to the Pentagon’s new reporting terms.
Hegseth is making Pentagon press credentials contingent on outlets pledging that they will not use or obtain unauthorized information from the Department of Defense. Reporters at the Pentagon would also have to be accompanied by DOD officials to access certain areas of the building.
Media organizations have until Tuesday at 5 p.m. to sign on or turn in their credentials within 24 hours.
Almost unanimously, outlets have rejected the policy. On Monday, Newsmax, which gained notoriety and ratings for outflanking Fox News with its 2020 election denialism, issued a statement saying it would not sign the policy.
“Newsmax has no plans to sign the letter,” the cable news network said in a statement. “We are working in conjunction with other media outlets to resolve the situation. We believe the requirements are unnecessary and onerous and hope that the Pentagon with review the matter further.”
Meanwhile, One America News has agreed to adhere to the policy. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who is now a host at the network, defended the decision.
“Frankly I’m shocked these weren’t already the rules,” he tweeted on Monday. “It’s the PENTAGON! @oann is happy to follow these reasonable conditions, grounded in care for our national security.”
Gaetz’s post quote-tweeted a post by Hegseth that stated, “Pentagon access is a privilege, not a right.” He called those outlets refusing to sign on to the policy “DUMMIES.”
The post Only One Media Outlet Has Agreed to Trump Admin’s Pentagon Press Restrictions: ‘Happy to Follow These Reasonable Conditions’ first appeared on Mediaite.
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