Trump's Terms

Pentagon press corps gets a right-wing makeover

Oct 23, 2025
David Folkenflik, NPR media correspondent with a keen eye on journalism, dives into the Pentagon's overhaul of its press corps. He discusses how major outlets refused a contentious new policy, leading to the appointment of more partisan reporters. Folkenflik reveals the implications for Pentagon reporting, emphasizing a shift towards government-controlled messaging. He highlights concerns over transparency, labeling some new outlets as mere transcription services. It's a critical look at how politics shapes reporting in military contexts.
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INSIGHT

Pentagon Press Corps Turned Partisan

  • The Pentagon replaced credentialed mainstream reporters with partisan outlets eager to publish approved messaging.
  • That shift means the public will mainly hear what Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his team want released.
ANECDOTE

Examples Of Replacement Outlets

  • David Folkenflik named several credentialed replacements like Gateway Pundit and Lindell TV, noting their lawsuits over 2020 claims.
  • He also cited Tim Poole's accepted payment episode and other partisan outlets now covering the Pentagon.
INSIGHT

Policy Amounts To Prior Restraint

  • The new credential policy sought reporters' agreement not to publish anything the Pentagon hadn't authorized.
  • NPR and many legacy outlets saw that as prior restraint, so they relinquished their credentials.
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