New Pentagon press Corps Signals Era of Unprecedented Control
The December 2, 2025, Pentagon press briefing, led by press secretary Kingsley Wilson, marked a stark turning point in media access, as dozens of mainstream news organizations effectively “self-deported” from the building rather than comply with rules deemed a violation of the First Amendment. This shift has paved the way for a new, carefully curated press corps, raising serious questions about transparency and accountability within the Department of War, led by pete Hegseth.
Wilson, in her opening remarks, welcomed the assembled group as “official new members of the Pentagon press corps,” framing the moment as “the beginning of a new era.” However, the circumstances surrounding this new era are deeply concerning. The administration’s regulations grant the power to expel journalists for reporting on any information – classified or not – that hasn’t been officially sanctioned, a move widely condemned as an assault on a free press.
To illustrate the altered landscape, Wilson notably granted the second question of the briefing to Matt Gaetz, a former congressman and current host on the pro-Trump One America News Network.Gaetz, sporting a jacket embroidered with his former title, focused his inquiries on Venezuela, a country where the administration is actively pursuing a policy of regime change alongside military strikes targeting vessels allegedly involved in “narcoterrorism.”
The exchange served primarily as an opportunity for Wilson to reiterate the administration’s narrative.”every single person who we have hit thus far who is in a drug boat carrying narcotics to the United States is a narcoterrorist. Our intelligence has confirmed that,” she stated. She further described the Department of War as a “planning organization” with “a contingency plan for everything,” a statement that offered little in the way of concrete detail.
The briefing occurred just days after a member of the National Guard was killed near the White House, prompting questions from the new press corps regarding potential honors for the fallen service member. Whether the individual will receive a medal or a military burial at Arlington National Cemetery remains undecided. Despite these serious inquiries, the overall tone of the briefing suggested a clear intent to control the narrative.
The composition of the new press corps is notably alarming. Alongside figures like Laura Loomer, known for her far-right views, attendees included Jack Posobiec, a promoter of the “Pizzagate” conspiracy theory, and James O’Keefe, founder of Project Veritas. A photograph from the briefing revealed a laptop adorned with stickers proclaiming “feminine, not feminist” and “homemaking is hot,” offering a glimpse into the ideological leanings of some within the new media contingent.A promotional statement from the department even featured an interview conducted in front of a backdrop displaying logos for “LindellTV,” the media venture of MyPillow founder Mike lindell.
The Pentagon press corps has historically operated as a somewhat controlled habitat,but the current situation represents a basic shift. As one observer noted, the most vital reporting has always originated outside of official briefings. The administration’s actions have exposed the extent to which the institution was alrea
Here’s a breakdown of how the questions are answered:
* Why: The mainstream press “self-deported” due to new regulations they deemed a violation of the First Amendment, specifically the power to expel journalists for unsanctioned reporting. The administration aimed to control the narrative and limit critical reporting.
* Who: Key players include Press secretary Kingsley Wilson, Department of War head Pete Hegseth, Matt Gaetz
