Late on Friday, the Trump administration announced a shake-up in the Pentagon press corps, removing four major media outlets to make room for new organizations.
According to a memo titled “New Annual Media Rotation Program,” the New York Times, National Public Radio, NBC News, and Politico will have to vacate their Pentagon offices by February 14. They will be replaced by the New York Post, One America News Network, Breitbart News Network, and HuffPost News.
The policy introduces an annual rotation, ensuring that each year, one print, online, television, and radio outlet will be replaced by another that has not previously held a dedicated space at the Pentagon, media reported.
Currently, over two dozen media organizations operate from the Pentagon, covering U.S. military affairs. John Ullyot, acting assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs, clarified that the affected outlets will remain full members of the press corps but must give up their physical workspace to allow for new entrants.
The Pentagon Press Association, which represents journalists covering the Department of Defense, condemned the decision, calling it a troubling move that targets “highly professional media.”
The decision follows an earlier White House announcement regarding press room seating. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt unveiled plans to include social media influencers, podcasters, and independent content creators alongside traditional journalists.
She noted that news consumption patterns are shifting, especially among younger audiences, and emphasized the importance of adapting White House media access accordingly.
Leavitt revealed that the White House received over 10,000 applications for these press seats, marking a significant change in press briefing traditions. Trump has frequently criticized traditional media, labeling them the “enemy of the people.”
