Overview
- Laura Loomer has been credentialed to cover the Defense Department, as first reported by The Washington Post and confirmed by her post on X.
- The credential follows a new Pentagon media policy that bars journalists from soliciting information outside official channels, prompting major outlets to surrender badges.
- Defense officials have assembled a “next generation” press corps that includes right‑aligned and influencer outlets such as One America News, Gateway Pundit, LindellTV, Human Events, Just the News, and Tim Pool.
- The Pentagon Press Association and multiple news organizations have condemned the policy, calling it an unprecedented form of intimidation that undermines independent reporting.
- Loomer, a Trump ally who has claimed credit for influencing personnel moves, has stirred debate over her role and access, with some officials saying she overstates her influence.