Fox News host and former US Army officer Pete Hegseth has been stripped of his Pentagon press access following revelations he improperly handled classified material during his military service, The Independent can reveal.
The controversial presenter, a regular on the Fox & Friends morning show, had his credentials suspended indefinitely after officials discovered he had reviewed classified documents without proper authorisation while serving in Alaska years earlier.
Security Breach Uncovered
The security lapse came to light during a standard background reinvestigation, a process all personnel with security clearances undergo periodically. The review uncovered that Hegseth had accessed classified materials without the requisite 'need-to-know' authorisation during his tenure in the military.
While the exact nature of the documents remains undisclosed for security reasons, the breach was deemed serious enough to trigger immediate action from defence officials.
Pentagon Takes Swift Action
In response to the findings, the Pentagon's Defence Press Office moved quickly to revoke Hegseth's press pass. This credential is essential for any journalist seeking regular access to the defence department's headquarters for briefings and information.
A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed the suspension, stating: "We can confirm that Pete Hegseth's Pentagon press credentials have been suspended. We do not discuss the specific reasons for such suspensions to protect the integrity of our security processes."
Hegseth's Response and Background
Hegseth, who served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and received two Bronze Stars, has not publicly commented on the specific allegations. His role at Fox News often involves commentary on military and defence matters, making the loss of Pentagon access a significant professional impediment.
The incident highlights the stringent and ongoing nature of security protocols within the US military, demonstrating that past breaches—even from a veteran's time in service—can have lasting consequences on future civilian careers, particularly those involving media and defence reporting.
