Hegseth Defends Pentagon Press Restrictions on Fox News

Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense, defended the Pentagon’s imposition of restrictions on the press during an interview with Fox News’s Peter Doocy, labeling the actions of journalists seeking leaked classified information as “disgusting.” He emphasized that the Department of Defense (DoD) is taking measures to minimize leaks by setting stricter protocols, likening current press restrictions to those of the White House.

Hegseth claimed that the previous allowance for journalists to roam the Pentagon without proper oversight posed a security risk, stating, “We’re not playing games. We’re not allowing everyone to roam around the building.” He presented these changes as necessary to protect national security and maintain order within the military complex, further asserting, “The Pentagon press corps can squeal all they want. We’re taking these things seriously.”

However, journalists covering the Pentagon responded critically to Hegseth’s claims. Dan Lamothe from The Washington Post pointed out that Pentagon reporters have long adhered to strict security protocols and have not roamed freely without badges as Hegseth suggested. Other journalists echoed Lamothe’s sentiments, arguing that Hegseth’s statements were misleading, particularly in comparison to White House press activity where access is also heavily regulated.

The contrast between Hegseth’s portrayal of journalistic practices and the actual conduct was evident when Hugo Lowell of The Guardian called Hegseth’s comments “disingenuous,” highlighting that foreign military officials already navigate unclassified areas of the Pentagon, which do not parallel the restrictions seen at the White House.

This exchange underscores a troubling narrative surrounding the Trump administration’s stated commitment to transparency and media freedom, as the increasing restrictions imposed on journalists reflect a broader trend of authoritarian control over information dissemination in American democracy.