Pete Hegseth Launches Bold Crackdown on Pentagon Leaks — DOJ Joins In

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News (2 / 1) 15.07.2026 01:08 / Tim

Reporter Restrictions Spark Backlash

The 46-year-old defense chief has previously tightened rules for journalists covering the Pentagon, moves that prompted some reporters to surrender press badges in protest. Hegseth framed the crackdown as necessary to protect service members, saying leaked information "risks lives."

What Prompted the Push?

The new task force announcement came days after the DOJ issued subpoenas to four New York Times reporters following an article about security concerns tied to the president's new Air Force One plane. The White House denied the security claims; the president said he flew the older jet "for old time's sake" and denied any specific threat.