The public deserves transparency about the US war in Iran. But that’s not what we’re getting — not even close.
The Pentagon hasn’t held a press briefing in two and a half months. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hasn’t explained the military strategy behind the renewed air strikes. His department hasn’t revealed the circumstances that led to the recent deaths of US service members.
It’s all indicative of a larger effort to control information, limit access and avoid difficult questions about the war.
Pentagon press briefings were held regularly during past US conflicts, and military leaders often expressed respect (even if begrudgingly) for the media’s role and responsibility to inform service members, their families and the rest of the country.
But that feels like a vestige of a bygone era now. Hegseth has picked fights with the media, including his former employer, Fox News; has pushed the press corps out of the Pentagon complex; and has markedly reduced the free flow of information.
Hegseth’s public affairs office sought to replace (or at least supplement) experienced military beat reporters with MAGA media types last winter. But those Trump-aligned outlets aren’t getting access now, either. The most recent Pentagon press briefing was on May 5. In response to CNN’s request for comment about the press briefing drought, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman Sean Parnell said the U.S. government “has consistently provided comprehensive, real-time updates” on the strikes in Iran.
“President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have been constantly providing updates directly to the media and the American people online, delivering clear, unfiltered insight into our objectives and decisive actions,” Parnell said. “Additionally, questions from Fake News reporters do very little to inform the public at all. Their primary goal is to get clips that can be used online to promote themselves and push their preferred narrative.”
Parnell’s statement suggests there won’t be another press briefing in the near future.
Military beat reporters say they are having to rely more heavily on anonymous sources — the same sources that Hegseth wants to prosecute. He announced a new anti-leaker task force last week.
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