Learn languages naturally with fresh, real content!

tap to translate recording

Explore By Region

flag U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth restricted a March 2, 2026, press briefing to conservative outlets, sparking criticism over transparency and press freedom.

flag U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth drew criticism during a March 2, 2026, Pentagon press conference for allowing only a limited group of reporters—mostly from conservative, pro-Trump outlets—to attend and ask questions. flag The event, held amid U.S.-led strikes in Iran, excluded major news organizations like Fox News, The New York Times, and Reuters, which rejected a new Pentagon press policy requiring journalists to sign a restrictive information pledge. flag Hegseth defended the selection, saying it ensured national security, and dismissed questions from unapproved media as "gotcha" tactics. flag Critics condemned the event as a lack of transparency and a threat to press freedom, noting that some attendees had ties to the January 6 Capitol riot. flag The Pentagon denied pre-selecting questioners, but the briefing sparked concerns over declining access and the politicization of military communications.

15 Articles