Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed his support for President Trump’s decision to ban certain media outlets from the White House. He criticized CNN, MS Now, and Politico for allegedly endangering U.S. service members with inaccurate reporting.

AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

Hegseth stated, “The Department of War fully supports President Trump’s decision to exclude these media sources. We appreciate their choice to leave the Pentagon voluntarily.” He accused these outlets of spreading false stories that threatened the safety of troops and criticized their reporting on the President and military missions.

President Trump announced that the ban would begin immediately due to what he termed “constant FAKE NEWS reporting!” He indicated the possibility of targeting more outlets in the future. “It’s a reaction to cumulative stories over the last two years,” Trump explained, mentioning his frustration with the media.

Hegseth has also implemented his own media restrictions at the Pentagon. Journalists face limitations on movement within the department and must agree to specific publishing guidelines to keep their credentials.

Opponents, including media outlets and free press advocates, argue these policies hinder independent journalism. CNN and Politico plan to defend their First Amendment rights, and some criticisms come from Fox News contributors concerned about potential long-term effects.

Welcome to The Hill’s Defense & National Security newsletter. I’m Filip Timotija, providing updates from the Pentagon and Capitol Hill.

Essential Reads

Issues impacting defense and national security include:

• The Pentagon’s public database missed reporting two deaths during missions in the Middle East. Major Sorffly Davius, part of the 42nd Infantry Division, died of undetermined causes in Kuwait.
• The latest Pentagon UFO file release contains audio and transcripts from a 1952 presentation by Air Force Captain Edward J. Ruppelt.
• New Pentagon guidance mandates testosterone deficiency screening for service members over 30, enhancing treatment uniformity across the Defense Health Agency.
• Lawmakers criticized a lack of clarity in answers concerning the Trump administration’s National Defense Strategy during a Senate Armed Services Committee briefing.

In Other News

Trump announced a security agreement with Greenland and Denmark, increasing U.S. influence in Arctic affairs.

Upcoming Events

Monday features several defense-related discussions, including one on South Asia’s energy crisis and another on China’s response to military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

What We’re Reading

• CNN reports on U.S. military drone movements to South America for counter-narcotics operations.
• The Kyiv Independent reports on diplomatic shifts involving the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia.
• Task & Purpose discusses upcoming military regulation changes regarding medical shaving waivers.
• CNN reveals concerns over AI-generated intelligence reports.
• Politico investigates unauthorized F-35 parts shipments to Hong Kong.

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