News Summary
A recent overhaul in the Pentagon press corps has resulted in the addition of 60 journalists from far-right outlets, following the exit of traditional media representatives. The new entrants raise concerns due to some having extremist affiliations and questionable journalistic backgrounds. Key figures among the newcomers are linked to spreading misinformation and controversial political movements. These changes coincide with new restrictive access policies from the Department of Defense, prompting major media organizations to express their concerns about potential threats to journalistic integrity and First Amendment rights.
Washington D.C. – In a significant shift within the Pentagon press corps, 60 new journalists from far-right outlets have been granted access, following the mass departure of traditional media representatives. This transformation has raised concerns over the qualifications and affiliations of the incoming journalists, with some possessing extremist ties.
Among the new entrants is Wade Searle, a former aide to U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar, who announced his press credentials from the Department of War alongside his affiliation with LifeSite News, which is known for its anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ stances. Searle has connections to the “groyper” movement, associated with young white nationalists and extremist views, including affiliations with figures like Nick Fuentes, a well-known Holocaust denier. During his tenure with Gosar, Searle contributed to content that has been identified as white nationalist and neo-Nazi.
Searle has also previously worked with Kari Lake during her Senate campaign and launched his journalism career without any prior experience. Another journalist set to represent Gateway Pundit is Jordan Conradson, who aims to “restore honest journalism” at the Pentagon despite having a history of spreading misinformation. Conradson has been linked to misleading information regarding elections and has shared anti-Semitic and misogynistic sentiments through his public appearances and affiliations.
R.C. Maxwell, who formerly worked in communications for the Arizona Republican Party, will also join the press corps representing RedState, an outlet known for its partisan reporting. The recent changes in the Pentagon press corps come alongside newly implemented access policies by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, which require press members to sign restrictive agreements or risk losing access to the Pentagon.
Major news organizations, including the likes of ABC, CBS, CNN, and NBC, have publicly opposed these new rules, advocating for transparency and the preservation of journalistic integrity. The Pentagon Press Association has voiced concerns that the new policies violate First Amendment rights and pose a threat to independent journalism standards.
Reports indicate that these new rules could grant undue influence over the dissemination of information, effectively curtailing press freedoms. The only outlet to accept the new restrictions is One America News, signaling a growing trend toward conservative media representation at the Pentagon.
Mainstream media advocates have emphasized the importance of unrestricted coverage of the Pentagon, criticizing ongoing efforts to limit journalistic access to vital information pertaining to national security.
This significant shift within the Pentagon press corps underscores a wider trend concerning media representation and the implications of restricting journalistic freedoms in the realm of national security and government transparency.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
