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'Get Out': Pete Hegseth kicks legacy media outlets out of the Pentagon - and they aren't happy

Legacy Media giants get the boot as conservative outlets move into prime Pentagon real estate.

US Pentagon in Washington DC building looking down aerial view from above
Photo: Shutterstcok / Ivan Cholakov

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has implemented a sweeping reorganization of press access at the Pentagon, displacing several long-established news organizations from their dedicated office spaces under what the Department describes as a "new annual media rotation program."

The initiative will see major outlets including The New York Times, NBC News, NPR, and Politico vacating their permanent offices within the Pentagon. These spaces will be reallocated to One America News Network (OANN), the New York Post, Breitbart News Network, and HuffPost, marking a significant shift in the media presence at the Defense Department's headquarters.

Photo: AI generated
Photo: AI generated

Changing of the Guard

The Pentagon has framed this reorganization as part of a broader effort to "broaden access" to media facilities, particularly for outlets that haven't previously maintained a permanent presence within the building. This restructuring represents one of the most significant changes to the Pentagon's press operations in recent memory.

"We've used this broadcasting booth for decades to bring critical defense news to the American people," said a spokesperson for NBC News, expressing disappointment over the loss of their long-held space while affirming their commitment to continued Pentagon coverage.

The incoming media organizations represent a diverse spectrum of editorial perspectives. OANN, the New York Post, and Breitbart News Network are generally associated with conservative viewpoints, while HuffPost is known for its progressive stance. Notably, HuffPost, which hadn't initially requested office space, has stated its readiness to provide "hard-hitting coverage" from their new position within the Pentagon.

Implications for Pentagon Coverage

The reorganization has sparked intense debate about its potential impact on defense reporting. Press freedom advocates have raised concerns about how the displacement of established outlets might affect comprehensive coverage of military affairs and national security matters.

NPR, one of the affected organizations, has called for an expansion of available office spaces rather than a rotation system, arguing that equal access for all media serves the public interest. "The solution isn't to rotate access but to expand it," an NPR representative stated.

Broader Context

This media reorganization comes as part of what the Defense Department describes as a wider initiative to diversify media access to government institutions. The program aims to incorporate independent journalists and social media influencers into the Pentagon's media ecosystem, reflecting evolving patterns in news consumption and distribution.

While all affected outlets will retain their membership in the Pentagon Press Corps, the loss of dedicated office space presents logistical challenges for organizations that have long relied on permanent facilities for their defense coverage.

Public Response

The announcement has generated significant public discussion, particularly on social media platforms. Some observers have praised the move as promoting media diversity, while others express concern about potential impacts on established channels of defense reporting.

The Defense Department maintains that this rotation program will enhance media access while ensuring diverse coverage of military affairs. However, the long-term implications of this significant shift in Pentagon press operations remain to be seen.


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