Pentagon Bars Press Photographers

Peter Hegseth

The Pentagon has barred independent news photographers from recent briefings on the U.S.-Israeli military conflict with Iran after outlets published photos of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that his staff considered “unflattering,” according to sources familiar with the decision.

The restriction followed a March 2 briefing — the first time Hegseth appeared at the Pentagon lectern since late June — where photographers from major outlets including the Associated Press, Reuters, and Getty Images captured images during his appearance alongside Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The briefing occurred days after a Feb. 28 joint strike that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Hegseth’s aides, unhappy with how the secretary appeared in the widely distributed photos, then excluded photographers from the next two briefings on March 4 and March 10 (Tuesday), sources told The Washington Post on condition of anonymity due to fear of retaliation. Only Defense Department staff photographers have been allowed inside since then.

Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson stated the change aims to manage briefing room space effectively: “We are allowing one representative per news outlet if uncredentialed, excluding pool. Photographs from the briefings are immediately released online for the public and press to use. If that hurts the business model for certain news outlets, then they should consider applying for a Pentagon press credential.”

The White House principal deputy press secretary declined to comment on the decision.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host confirmed as Defense Secretary at the start of President Donald Trump’s second term, has frequently clashed with media outlets. Tensions escalated in October when hundreds of credentialed Pentagon reporters surrendered their badges and dozens walked out rather than comply with a new policy barring them from seeking unauthorized information from government sources.