Matt Gaetz Shakes Up Pentagon Press Corps as New OAN Reporter

Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz has launched a surprising new chapter. He is now a reporter for One America News (OAN) in the Pentagon press corps. His debut at a high-profile briefing this week marks a dramatic shift in military media access. It signals a new era for how defense news is covered.

The change follows new Pentagon press rules implemented by Defense Department chief Pete Hegseth. Mainstream outlets like CNN and The New York Times have walked out in protest. Their absence has cleared space for conservative media figures and former politicians to take prominent seats.

A Transformed Briefing Room and a Pointed Debut

The atmosphere at the Pentagon briefing was notably different. According to reports from Reuters, the room was filled with a new guard of reporters. This group included conservative commentators like Laura Loomer and James O’Keefe. They were invited under a new, more restrictive access policy criticized by traditional journalists.

Matt Gaetz, wearing a fleece and a black tie, did not hold back. He directed his first question to Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson. Gaetz asked about U.S. plans for Venezuela. He specifically questioned whether all Venezuelan officials would be labeled narco-terrorists if President Maduro was ousted.

The query was direct and politically charged. Wilson’s response was cautious and non-committal. She stated the Defense Department had contingency plans but deferred ultimate decisions to the president. This exchange set the tone for the new briefing dynamic.

The Broader Impact on Transparency and News

This reshaping of the press corps has profound implications. It alters the flow of information from one of America’s most powerful institutions. With mainstream journalists relying on leaks instead of briefings, the official narrative is now shaped by a different set of voices.

The Pentagon’s leadership has welcomed the change. Press secretary Wilson stated they would not “beg gatekeepers to come back.” She argued the public had moved on from traditional media models. This stance prioritizes a curated message over adversarial questioning from established outlets.

Observers note a significant shift in accountability. Retired CNN correspondent Barbara Starr commented that the briefing lacked journalistic soundness. She cited both the evasive answers and the composition of the questioners as key reasons. The result is a less scrutinized Pentagon public affairs operation.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Matt Gaetz reporting for at the Pentagon?

Matt Gaetz is reporting for One America News (OAN). He joined the conservative network after resigning from Congress and now holds a Pentagon press corps credential under new access rules.

Why did major news outlets leave the Pentagon briefings?

Outlets like CNN and The Washington Post left in protest of new Pentagon press rules. They argue the rules limit open access and favor sympathetic media, undermining transparent journalism.

What was Matt Gaetz’s first question about?

Gaetz asked about U.S. military plans for Venezuela. He questioned what role the Pentagon would play and whether all Venezuelan officials would be designated narco-terrorists post-conflict.

How has the Pentagon press corps changed?

The corps now features conservative reporters and former political figures instead of mainstream journalists. Access is by invitation, creating a more controlled environment for official messaging.

What is the main criticism of this change?

Critics say it reduces government transparency and accountability. They argue it replaces tough, independent questioning with softer inquiries that may align with administrative talking points.

Will traditional media return to the briefings?

It appears unlikely under the current leadership. The Pentagon has stated it will not revert to the old model, suggesting this new media landscape is here for the foreseeable future.

Trusted Sources: Information for this report was gathered from verified pool reports and analysis from established news agencies including Reuters and The Associated Press.