Overview
- Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said more than 60 new journalists have been credentialed, with 26 reporters from 18 outlets keeping access by signing the policy.
- Newly credentialed organizations publicly claiming spots include The Gateway Pundit, Human Events, LindellTV, Turning Point USA’s Frontlines, The National Pulse, Real America’s Voice and RedState.
- The Defense Department told the Washington Post that Infowars host Breanna Morello will be credentialed as an independent journalist rather than on behalf of Infowars.
- Dozens of legacy outlets surrendered their badges over the rules limiting how reporters can solicit information and allowing credential revocation, with Fox News and Newsmax among those declining to sign.
- Critics, including former CNN Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr and the Pentagon Press Association, say the policy undermines press freedoms, while reporting has identified new credentialees such as Wade Searle, Jordan Conradson and R.C. Maxwell with records tied to misinformation or extremist networks.