WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new, ideologically aligned group of media organizations – including one called O’Keefe Media Group (OMG) has formally been welcomed into the press corps at the United States Department of Defense (DoD), as the department retools how it handles media access under Pete Hegseth. That shift unfolded during a press briefing on December 2, 2025.
What changed: new rules, old badges turned in
In October 2025, the Pentagon introduced a new press-access policy requiring reporters to agree that they would not solicit or publish any information not explicitly approved by the department. The change prompted long-standing media organizations, including major outlets across the political spectrum, to forfeit their Pentagon credentials rather than comply.
As a result, dozens of reporters moved out of their longtime Pentagon offices in mid-October.
In their place, the DoD extended credentials to a new roster of predominantly conservative or pro-Trump outlets and independent commentators. The new group reportedly includes The Gateway Pundit, The Epoch Times, Human Events, The Federalist, alongside individuals such as those tied to OMG, and other independent media voices often referred to as fringe media by mainstream sources.
First briefing under new regime
On December 2, the department held a public, on-camera briefing for the newly credentialed press corps, led by Kingsley Wilson, the Pentagon’s press secretary. This was the first such televised Pentagon briefing since mainstream outlets departed.
At the start of the session, Wilson acknowledged a recent tragedy, the fatal shooting of a National Guard member in Washington, and paid tribute to the service member, calling them “an American hero.”
During the briefing, Wilson characterized the absence of traditional press voices as a result of their choice. She reportedly said the legacy media “self-deported” when they declined to sign the new rules.
Newly credentialed participants immediately began posting photos of themselves with their badges and occupying former press desks – a public display of their new access.
What this means – and the controversy
Advocates for the old press corps and independent media critics argue that the policy represents a dramatic shift in how the Pentagon communicates – one that could prioritize message discipline over independent reporting. Under the new rules, journalists must obtain prior approval for anything they intend to publish, even on unclassified but non-preapproved information, a restriction many view as prior restraint.
Proponents within the Pentagon, by contrast, frame the policy as a necessary step to protect operational security, prevent leaks, and control access arguing that the new press corps reflects a refreshed model suited to contemporary threats.
During the briefing, some of the questions raised touched on sensitive topics, including ongoing military operations in Iran and Somalia, the role of the National Guard in U.S. cities, and a recent strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat that reportedly killed survivors when a second missile strike was ordered.
Implications for the Future of Pentagon Coverage
The October walkout signaled a broad rejection by many established news organizations of what they considered untenable restrictions on press freedom.
With OMG and other new members now credentialed, the Pentagon is effectively replacing its traditional press corps – a move that could reshape how the public receives information about U.S. military policy, operations, and oversight. At a minimum, the shift introduces new questions around independence, transparency, and the role of media in holding government to account.
Key Facts & Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | O’Keefe Media Group (OMG) formally welcomed into the Pentagon Press Corps |
| Date of Briefing | December 2, 2025 |
| Location | Pentagon Briefing Room, Arlington, Virginia |
| Presiding Official | Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson |
| Policy Context | Follows major press-access changes introduced under Secretary of War Pete Hegseth |
| Key Policy Shift | New rules require reporters to agree not to publish non-preapproved information; major legacy outlets forfeited credentials |
| Resulting Change | Traditional media largely left; conservative-leaning and independent outlets newly credentialed |
| Wilson’s Public Statement | Said legacy media “self-deported” from the Pentagon after refusing new rules |
| Purpose of Briefing | Introduce newly credentialed members of the Pentagon Press Corps and outline expectations under the updated policy |
| Controversy | Critics say the new rules restrict press freedom; supporters say they strengthen operational security |
| OMG Significance | First time OMG has held an officially credentialed status for on-camera Pentagon briefings |
| Broader Concern | Questions about transparency, oversight, and whether new press corps members will challenge Pentagon narratives |
Q&A: Understanding the Pentagon’s New Press Corps and OMG’s Admission
Q1: What exactly happened on December 2, 2025?
The Pentagon held an on-camera press briefing to introduce a newly credentialed group of journalists, including O’Keefe Media Group. It was the first major briefing after sweeping press-access changes caused most legacy outlets to give up their credentials.
Q2: Why did those traditional media organizations leave?
According to multiple reports, the Pentagon implemented new rules requiring journalists not to publish information unless it had been formally approved by the Department of Defense. Many outlets viewed the requirement as an unacceptable restriction and returned their press badges in protest.
Q3: Who oversaw the briefing?
Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson led the session and welcomed the new members. Wilson said the legacy press “self-deported” by refusing to comply with the updated rules.
Q4: What role did Secretary of War Pete Hegseth play?
Hegseth spearheaded the policy overhaul that reshaped the press corps. The new regulations favor outlets that align with the administration’s communications priorities and require greater message control from journalists.
Q5: Why is O’Keefe Media Group’s inclusion significant?
OMG has long positioned itself as an outsider investigative outlet. Being granted formal Pentagon credentials gives it direct access to briefings, press materials, and department officials, privileges it did not previously hold.
Q6: What are critics saying about the new policy?
Media-rights groups and former Pentagon correspondents argue that the rules amount to prior restraint and undermine government transparency. They say the shift replaces independent oversight with a more administration-friendly press corps.
Q7: What do supporters of the new access rules argue?
Advocates claim the changes enhance operational security, reduce leak risks, and ensure that reporting reflects accurate, controlled information during military operations.
Q8: What happens next for the new press corps?
Newly credentialed outlets are expected to attend regular briefings and participate in press availabilities, though the extent to which they will challenge officials or provide independent scrutiny remains a central question.
