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Conservative activist Laura Loomer has secured press credentials at the Pentagon amid a significant reshuffling of the defense press corps, according to reports Tuesday. The development comes as mainstream media reporters have largely abandoned the Pentagon press room over a policy dispute with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Loomer, who maintains close ties to President Donald Trump and wields considerable influence on social media, announced her new role on X (formerly Twitter). “I’m excited to announce that after a year of breaking the most impactful stories that pertain to our national security and rooting out deceptive and disloyal bad actors” from the Defense Department, she wrote, expressing her readiness to join the Pentagon press corps.
The Washington Post first reported Loomer’s credentialing, while Pentagon officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The credential comes at a time of unprecedented tension between the defense establishment and traditional media. Last month, reporters from major news outlets collectively walked out rather than comply with Hegseth’s new media policy, which journalists claim would restrict their ability to report on information not explicitly approved for release by the Defense Secretary’s office. As mainstream outlets vacated their positions, several right-wing media organizations have filled the void.
Loomer has established herself as a controversial figure in Washington circles, known for campaigning against government officials she considers insufficiently loyal to the Trump administration. Earlier this year, she publicly criticized Army Secretary Dan Driscoll for honoring a Medal of Honor recipient who had previously spoken at a Democratic National Convention. In a separate incident, Driscoll rescinded the appointment of a former Biden administration official to teach at West Point after facing criticism from Loomer.
Her influence within the administration has been significant yet polarizing. Last spring, Trump dismissed several National Security Council officials after Loomer presented him with what she characterized as evidence of disloyalty. The president has since downplayed her influence, though she has been granted access to Air Force One during presidential travel.
Despite her new Pentagon credentials, Loomer has not received similar access at the White House. Her controversial history includes promoting conspiracy theories and making statements widely condemned as anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim, which has generated resistance to her presence in government circles.
In her announcement, Loomer emphasized her impact on personnel decisions within the executive branch. “There is no denying that my investigative reporting has had a massive impact on the landscape of personnel decisions within the Executive Branch, our intelligence agencies and the Pentagon,” she wrote, adding that she looks forward to “breaking more stories that impact our country and our national security.”
She also promoted what she called “the Loomered Tip Line, the most influential Tip Line in all of DC,” encouraging sources to share information with her.
The media landscape at the Pentagon continues to evolve under Hegseth’s leadership. Reuters national security reporter Phil Stewart noted on social media Tuesday that the secretary’s new policy would authorize revoking access for reporters who seek information from Defense Department personnel that hasn’t been cleared for release.
This development represents a significant shift in Pentagon media relations, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the current administration and traditional news organizations. While the banned journalists continue reporting on Pentagon matters from outside the building, the press room’s composition has fundamentally changed, reflecting broader changes in the relationship between government institutions and the media that covers them.
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5 Comments
As someone with strong political leanings, Loomer’s appointment to the Pentagon press corps raises concerns about the potential for biased coverage of defense matters. However, it could also provide an opportunity for a diversity of perspectives if she is able to report fairly and objectively.
This is a bold move by the Pentagon, but one that could backfire if Loomer’s reporting is perceived as overly partisan or lacks the rigor expected from a credentialed member of the defense press. It will be crucial to monitor the quality and fairness of her coverage going forward.
This is certainly a polarizing move by the Pentagon. Loomer’s controversial reputation may raise questions about the objectivity and balance of the reporting from the defense press corps. It will be important to monitor the situation closely.
The Pentagon’s decision to grant Loomer press credentials amid the ongoing tensions with mainstream media is intriguing. It will be interesting to see if her reporting can provide a fresh take on defense issues or if it will further inflame the existing divisions.
Interesting development. Loomer’s close ties to Trump could give her a unique perspective on Pentagon affairs. I’m curious to see how she handles this press role and what kind of coverage she provides.