Hegseth bans press photographers over ‘unflattering’ footage

“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.”

In 2025, the Pentagon press pool underwent a serious overhaul.

Hundreds of mainstream media retailers turned of their press credentials and walked out of the Pentagon after they had been requested to signal a controversial new coverage which required them to pledge that they’d not get hold of unauthorised materials. It additionally restricted them to sure areas of the Pentagon until accompanied by an official.

It is unclear which footage had been criticised by Mr Hegseth, however one exhibits him frowning and looking out quizzically on the digital camera.

Another exhibits him behind a podium with a microphone as he addresses the room, talking along with his mouth open, fingers vast aside and arms open to the room.

A 3rd exhibits him answering questions from the ground, pointing at raised fingers within the viewers and frowning whereas doing so.

In October 2025, Donald Trump complained {that a} cowl image of him on Time journal was “the worst of all time”. It pictured him from beneath with what seemed to be a double chin.

A brand new image of the US president was then printed on the quilt, which confirmed him sitting behind a desk staring sternly on the digital camera.

Mr Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has repeatedly sparred with the press since becoming a member of Mr Trump’s group.

After restrictions had been positioned on the press in October 2025, The New York Times sued the federal government concerning the coverage, citing freedom of the press and due course of. The case is ongoing.