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Pentagon Reporters from All but 1 Outlet Surrender Press Passes After Trump Admin Demanded They Only Cover Pre-Approved News

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, October 18th 2025 at 12:10 GMT by People
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Pentagon Reporters Walk Away from Credentials Over Pete Hegseth Appointment

A group of veteran defense reporters has relinquished their Pentagon press credentials in protest of the recent appointment of Pete Hegseth as the new Principal Spokesperson for the Department of Defense. The move, announced last week, marks a rare and significant challenge to the established relationship between the military and the press corps covering national security matters.

The core issue revolves around concerns regarding Hegseth’s qualifications, objectivity, and potential impact on transparency within the Pentagon. Hegseth, a former Fox News host and conservative commentator, lacks traditional journalism experience or prior government service. His appointment, formalized in late October 2023, has been met with widespread criticism from journalists who fear his presence will politicize defense communications and hinder their ability to effectively report on military matters.

The initial wave of resignations began with Barbara Starr of CNN, a highly respected Pentagon correspondent with decades of experience. Starr’s departure was followed by Ben Werner of The Messenger, and others are reportedly considering similar actions. These reporters held press passes issued under the Defense Media Network (DMN), which grants access to the Pentagon building, briefings, and other events. By voluntarily surrendering these credentials, they are effectively limiting their physical access to key sources and information within the Department of Defense.

The decision wasn't taken lightly. As Starr explained in a statement shared with colleagues, “This is not about Pete Hegseth personally. It’s about the precedent this sets.” The concern isn’t necessarily that Hegseth will be overtly hostile to reporters, but rather that his background and political leanings inherently compromise his ability to serve as an impartial spokesperson for the entire Department of Defense. His previous commentary often leaned heavily into conservative viewpoints on military policy and national security issues, raising questions about whether he can fairly represent diverse perspectives within the Pentagon.

Hegseth’s selection was championed by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who reportedly sought someone with a strong media presence to better communicate the department's message. Austin has emphasized Hegseth’s ability to reach a wider audience and counter what he perceives as negative narratives surrounding the military. In a statement released following the initial protests, Austin acknowledged the concerns raised but defended his choice, stating that Hegseth "brings valuable experience in communicating with the American people."

The Pentagon Press Corps Association (PPCA), representing accredited reporters covering the Department of Defense, has expressed its disappointment and concern over the situation. While not formally endorsing the individual resignations, the PPCA released a statement highlighting the importance of maintaining journalistic independence and ensuring access to information for the public. The association emphasized that the credibility of defense reporting relies on impartiality and objectivity, qualities they fear may be undermined by Hegseth’s appointment.

The controversy extends beyond concerns about Hegseth's background. It also touches upon a broader trend of increasing politicization within government communications and the blurring lines between journalism and partisan advocacy. The selection process for Pentagon spokespersons has historically prioritized experience in public affairs or journalism, aiming to ensure a level of professionalism and neutrality. Hegseth’s appointment represents a departure from this established practice.

The impact of these resignations remains to be seen. While reporters can still access information through other channels – including official releases, online sources, and interviews conducted outside the Pentagon – the loss of physical access significantly complicates their ability to conduct in-depth reporting and hold the Department of Defense accountable. The situation has sparked a wider debate about the role of the press corps, the responsibilities of government officials, and the importance of maintaining transparency in national security matters. The PPCA is reportedly engaging with Pentagon leadership to discuss concerns and explore potential solutions, but for now, the protest represents a significant challenge to the established relationship between the military and the media.

[ https://www.foxnews.com/media/pete-hegseth-pentagon-spokesperson-appointment-draws-criticism ] - This Fox News article details the initial criticism surrounding Hegseth's appointment, highlighting his past commentary and conservative viewpoints. It also includes a statement from Hegseth himself addressing the concerns raised by journalists.

[ https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/ ] - This is the website for the Defense Media Network (DMN), which manages press credentials for Pentagon reporters. The site provides information about accreditation requirements and access policies.