Gaetz Boasts About 'Penetrating Questions' at Trump Pentagon Briefings, Criticizes CNN

Former congressman and current One America News Network host Matt Gaetz fired back at CNN anchor Erin Burnett after she appeared to question his qualifications as a journalist, prompting him to highlight what he described as his history of posing penetrating questions.

Gaetz appeared at a Pentagon briefing on Tuesday, sharing a photo of himself from inside the room. The event took place while many traditional Pentagon correspondents remain barred from the building for declining to accept new media rules issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

During a CNN segment, Burnett referenced Gaetzs attendance and noted that major outlets, including CNN, were absent from the briefing due to their refusal to comply with the new guidelines, which restrict coverage unless information aligns with official statements. She then asked retired Major General William Enyart for his thoughts on Gaetzs presence.

Enyart responded by suggesting Gaetz was no more suited to reporting than Hegseth was to defense leadership, framing the moment as another performance from Trump-aligned figures.

Gaetz later issued a pointed reply on social media, emphasizing his past service on the House Armed Services Committee and asserting that he had often challenged officials on both sides with tough questioning. He stated he asked about Venezuelas future post-Maduro during the briefing and encouraged viewers to watch OANN for what he described as stronger reporting. He concluded by stating that CNN remains barred from the Pentagon.

Author: Maya Henderson