The Department of Defence hosted a starkly different press briefing this week, marking its first media engagement since a major shakeup that ejected established news organisations from the Pentagon. The scene was a dramatic departure from tradition, with the briefing room filled by right-wing media personalities while seats for major networks sat empty.
A New Era for Pentagon Media Relations
The briefing on Tuesday was led by Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson, who was making her debut in just the third Pentagon briefing this year. Unlike the combative atmosphere often faced by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Wilson fielded largely supportive questions from a hand-picked group. The session, which wrapped up in under 30 minutes, was described as uneventful.
This new format follows a seismic shift last October, when every credentialed newsroom and reporter with a Pentagon office was forced to pack up and leave. The mass exodus came after they refused to sign new contracts that would have limited their reporting to Pentagon-approved material and barred them from independently seeking information, including unclassified details.
Softball Questions and a Focus on the Washington Post
The questions directed at Wilson were largely gentle. They covered topics like the Venezuela 'narco-terror' drug war and Iran's nuclear programme. However, a significant portion of the discussion centred on criticising the Washington Post's reporting. Some right-leaning attendees asked if the newspaper would face consequences for a story the administration labelled 'fake news'.
That story alleged that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the killing of crew members. Wilson and the Pentagon vehemently denied this, calling the quotes 'fabricated'. Wilson stated the decision to re-strike a vessel was made by Admiral Bradley and that Hegseth stood by it.
Among the attendees were controversial figures, including disgraced ex-congressman Matt Gaetz and Donald Trump confidante Laura Loomer. Gaetz asked if anyone who served in the Venezuelan military would be considered a narco-terrorist. Wilson replied, 'That would be a determination for the President to make.'
The Battle of the Desks and What Comes Next
The physical space of the press room itself became a point of contention. On Monday, members of the new media arrived, with several claiming the desk once used by The Washington Post's Dan Lamothe. Laura Loomer announced on social media she was now using it.
Lamothe responded wryly to screenshots of different people at his old desk, noting, 'By my count, I've got at least two or three desks left at the Pentagon. Lost count.' He suggested the desk would likely sit empty much of the time.
Wilson announced that these Pentagon briefings will now become a more regular fixture, raising questions about the future of defence reporting. Meanwhile, the White House has not yet barred mainstream outlet reporters from its own briefings. The Department of Defence says a meet-and-greet and press gaggle with Secretary Hegseth will be the next event.
