Overview
- The White House launched a taxpayer‑funded Media Offenders portal with a searchable Hall of Shame, a leaderboard of 21 outlets led by the Washington Post, and a public tipline, logging 39 claims as of Friday.
- The Society for Professional Journalists urged the site’s removal as online harassment that invites threats, with NLGJA and the Committee to Protect Journalists warning of a chilling effect and potential real‑world attacks.
- Press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the portal as accountability for what she calls overwhelming “fake news,” while observers noted it singles out mainstream outlets and excludes conservative media brands.
- After most traditional reporters refused a 21‑page pledge limiting newsgathering, the Pentagon credentialed dozens of right‑wing influencers including Laura Loomer, Matt Gaetz, LindellTV and Turning Point USA, which officials framed as reaching larger audiences.
- The New York Times sued Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon over the new restrictions, as separate controversies over a Caribbean boat strike and an inspector general report on Hegseth’s use of Signal heightened calls for scrutiny.