The Department of War took center stage today with its inaugural press briefing following a significant overhaul that excluded traditional media from the Pentagon. The scene was notably sparse, with the briefing room largely populated by right-leaning media figures, including former congressman Matt Gaetz and Donald Trump ally Laura Loomer. Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson, making her debut appearance, fielded questions in what was only the third Pentagon briefing this year. Unlike her counterpart at the White House, Karoline Leavitt, Wilson encountered relatively mild queries from the emerging media, concluding the session in under 30 minutes.

During the briefing, Wilson touched on topics such as Venezuela’s ‘narco-terror’ drug conflict and Iran’s nuclear ambitions. However, much of the discussion shifted to critiquing the Washington Post’s reporting, with some right-wing media outlets inquiring about potential repercussions for the publication. Meanwhile, traditional media organizations were asked to sign new agreements to retain their access. These contracts would impose strict guidelines on reporters, including restricting coverage to content approved by the Pentagon. Major media entities such as CBS, ABC, and the Washington Post declined the terms, citing concerns over threats to journalistic independence and freedom.

Loomer initiated the session with what stood out as the sole challenging question to the Trump administration, inquiring about the White House’s relations with Qatar, which she claimed were the ‘biggest financiers of the Muslim Brotherhood,’ a group classified as a terrorist organization. Wilson responded, stating, “I’m not tracking this.” This briefing marked Wilson’s first live engagement with reporters, as the previous two briefings were conducted by Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Sean Parnell, Pentagon lead Pete Hegseth, and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Wilson’s briefing focused less on tough questions Tuesday and more about directed messaging from the department, taking questions from a hand–picked selection of allies who signed their legal form. At this time, the White House has not barred reporters from mainstream outlets from attending their briefings. Wilson also announced that these briefings will now become a more regular fixture—raising eyebrows about what comes next. Disgraced congressman Gaetz asked Wilson if anyone who has served in the Venezuelan military would be considered a narco–terrorist – to which she responded, ‘That would be a determination for the President to make,’ defending the strikes by adding that every person they have hit so far are narco–terrorists in drug boats.

Much of the discussion centered around the Washington Post story the administration called ‘fake news.’ The story alleged that Hegseth directed the killing of crew members onboard. The White House and Pentagon shot the accusation down, claiming the quotes from Hegseth were ‘fabricated’ also referencing a New York Times article that said the secretary ordered the attack but not the killing of survivors. Wilson, doubled down, stating the decision to re–strike the vessel was made by Admiral Bradley, and that Hegseth stood behind his decision. The President and Pentagon Secretary ultimately are the ones who can make that decision.

The President and Pentagon Secretary ultimately are the ones who can make that decision. Back in October, every credentialed newsroom and reporter with an office inside the Pentagon was forced to pack up and leave. The move came after they declined to sign a new press policy that bars journalists from accessing or seeking out information the Defense Department does not provide—including classified and unclassified material. On Monday, a group of the new media showed up, all claiming the desk once used by The Washington Post. Among them was Loomer, who announced on social media that she was now using the desk formerly occupied by the Post’s Dan Lamothe. Thus commenced the battle of the desks between legacy and new media.

Lamothe shared screenshots of three different people asserting they were sitting at his old desk, commenting, ‘Y’all are going to have to work this one out for yourselves.’ He added with a hint of bemusement, ‘By my count, I’ve got at least two or three desks left at the Pentagon. Lost count.’ Earlier, Loomer had posted, ‘The Washington Post and Dan Lamothe used to occupy this desk inside the Pentagon Press room. Now it’s mine!’ Lamothe replied wryly, ‘May it treat you well on your occasional trips to Washington, Laura. I assume it’ll sit empty much of the time, as it has for weeks now.’ After the new media briefing, the DOD says a meet–and–greet and press gaggle set–up with Defense Secretary Hegseth will take place.