A firsthand experience of the White House’s PR campaign from a minorly removed perspective.
It is the 13th day of the unexpected war with Iran, which coincidentally is Friday the 13th, and I’m exhausted. Having not had coffee since waking at 5AM due to Pentagon rules against bringing drinks, and with journalists now restricted from moving about unescorted, I’m bewildered as to why I was given a prime spot in the briefing room for a conflict I’ve never covered. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth immediately chastises experienced journalists stationed in less favorable seats.
“We will keep pushing. Keep advancing. No quarter, no mercy for our enemies. Yet some of this crew in the press just can’t stop,” Hegseth admonishes veteran reporters from major outlets like NBC, ABC, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Fox News, who are no strangers to the Pentagon and are known for their accountability questions. Their presence is due to an exception after the entire press corps resigned last October when Hegseth restricted the dissemination of unapproved information.
In contrast, Hegseth’s ‘patriotic press’—newcomers from outlets like One America News and The Daily Wire—filled the front rows. To face critical queries, Hegseth engaged with the older journalists, though he lashed at them throughout the session.
Hegseth accuses the media of misleading coverage. He questions, “Why not replace headlines about intensifying conflict with ‘Iran increasingly desperate’?” Despite this downplay, Iran has taken aggressive actions, including missile launches, sending drones, and affecting global oil prices.
Accusing CNN of inaccurate reporting about the Trump administration’s handling of the Strait of Hormuz, Hegseth dismisses claims of inadequacies. During the session, pointed queries arise over Iran’s uranium stockpiles, illustrating knowledge gaps on both sides.
Hegseth oscillates between aggressive media criticism and honoring military efforts, interrupted by substantive contributions from the Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine. My presence signals an invitation from the Pentagon press team amidst the day’s chaotic narrative.
The press conference concludes with predictable frustration both from ‘patriot’ journalists and seasoned national security reporters. The latter group’s questions reveal strategy deficiencies, while my lack of direct conflict experience leaves me unable to fully engage in such discourse.
Within the current political machinations, the performance far outweighs practical substance. The administration’s reality-TV tactics aim to evoke drama and conflict, depriving key players of full capacity to address the war’s complexities accurately.