The U.S. Department of Defense has introduced new restrictions on press photographers attending Pentagon briefings after images of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were published that his staff reportedly considered unflattering.





According to sources familiar with the situation, the decision followed a press briefing held on March 2, only days after a joint U.S.–Israeli military strike on Iran on February 28. The strike, which drew worldwide attention, marked a major escalation in tensions in the region and led to increased media coverage of Pentagon activities.

During the briefing, photographers from major international agencies, including the Associated Press, Reuters, and Getty Images, were present to cover statements made by Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine.

After the photos were distributed globally, some members of Hegseth’s staff reportedly complained that the images did not present the secretary in a favorable way. Following those complaints, photographers were not allowed to attend the next two Pentagon briefings held on March 4 and March 10, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Official explanation from the Pentagon

Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson denied that the decision was related to the appearance of the photos and said the move was made to better manage space inside the briefing room.

In a statement, Wilson said the department is currently allowing only one representative per news organization when space is limited, unless the outlet has official Pentagon credentials. He also noted that official photos from briefings are uploaded online for public and media use.

Wilson added that media organizations that rely on their own photography coverage should consider applying for official press credentials if the new rules affect their work.

Ongoing tensions with the media

The latest restrictions come amid continuing tension between Hegseth and the press since he took office at the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term.

Relations worsened last October when hundreds of Pentagon reporters refused to sign a new policy that would have limited journalists from seeking information not approved by the government. As a result, many reporters returned their credentials, and dozens walked out of the building in protest.

The New York Times and reporter Julian E. Barnes later filed a lawsuit against the government, arguing that the policy violated constitutional protections for press freedom and due process. The case is still being reviewed in federal court.

Changes in the press pool

After many reporters left, new media outlets — many of them politically conservative — received credentials to cover Pentagon events. These outlets later attended private meetings with Hegseth and participated in briefings with Pentagon officials.

However, until recently, Hegseth had not appeared in an on-camera briefing with the new press group. That changed after the recent military strikes involving Iran.

The March 2 briefing was originally planned for the newly credentialed media only, but after the Pentagon requested television cameras from major broadcast networks, an agreement was reached allowing a limited number of former credentialed reporters to enter the briefing room.

Photographers now excluded

It remains unclear whether one specific photo led to the decision or whether the reaction was caused by the overall coverage from the event.

Sources said photographers who arrived at last week’s briefing were not allowed inside, and since then only official Defense Department photographers have been permitted to take pictures during Pentagon briefings.

The move has raised new concerns among journalists about media access and transparency at the Department of Defense.