On Friday, the Trump administration announced a significant policy change regarding the workspace allocations of various news organizations at the Pentagon. This decision involves doubling the number of media outlets being evicted from their pentagon offices to make space for more favorable news organizations. Specifically, CNN, The Washington Post, The Hill, and War Zone are set to vacate their designated areas, while Newsmax, the Washington Examiner, the Daily Caller, and the Free Press will take their places. This information was conveyed in a memo by John Ullyot, who is the acting assistant to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The Pentagon Press Association has labeled this decision as “unreasonable,” pointing to a broader pattern of hostility towards critical media outlets by the Trump administration. Earlier in the week, the administration announced intentions to cancel media subscriptions funded by various government agencies. Ullyot justified the rotation of reporters by stating that, by relinquishing their office space, the ousted outlets would allow other organizations the opportunity to cover military affairs closely, reinforcing that this would be an annual arrangement.
It is standard practice for news organizations to occupy physical spaces in locations like the White House and state Capitols. This facilitates faster access to officials and streamlines the process of breaking news stories. The announcement from the Pentagon does not prevent the evicted outlets from reporting on military matters; however, it complicates their operational capabilities. In response to the announcement, CNN affirmed its commitment to reporting on the Department of Defense and the military, emphasizing that their mission will not waver despite the bureau's logistical challenges. The Washington Post echoed similar sentiments, stating their intention to maintain independent and fair coverage, regardless of their office arrangements.
Previously, the Pentagon had revealed a new rotation policy that included evicting NBC News, The New York Times, NPR, and Politico, to be replaced by pro-Trump outlets including One America News Network, the New York Post, Breitbart News, and HuffPost. The media organizations rotating out of the Pentagon are outlets that Donald Trump has publicly criticized, while those coming in have generally provided more favorable coverage of his administration.
Despite the pressure from the Pentagon Press Association, which expressed shock and disappointment at the latest decisions, none of the newly assigned outlets have solicited more space. Many current occupants have made significant investments to secure reliable access to the Pentagon for reporting purposes—from internet connectivity to infrastructure meant for live television broadcasts during critical news events. Ullyot countered the arguments from the press by asserting that most outlets do not have dedicated office space, claiming that some television networks manage to transport their equipment daily without issue.
This ongoing situation illustrates a contentious relationship between the Trump administration and certain media organizations, particularly those deemed critical or adversarial. The evictions and subsequent space reallocations are seen as a direct response to the administration's aim of managing its image and promoting favorable coverage during a politically charged period.
