MS NOW's Jen Psaki Ridicules Trump Allies at Pentagon Press Briefing for 'Scoops' That Are 'Simply Stenography'

During a recent segment of MS NOWs The Briefing, host and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki sharply criticized pro-Trump journalists in the Pentagon press room for producing what she called shallow scoops while covering Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Many mainstream reporters were barred from the Pentagon after refusing to comply with new restrictions imposed by Hegseth. In their place, personalities like One America News Network host Matt Gaetz and Laura Loomer, along with other pro-Trump figures, formed a new restricted press corps. Hegseth met with this new group on Wednesday and answered their questions.

Psaki called out the press corps for their lack of probing questions regarding recent controversies, including boat strikes and the upcoming Inspector General report. She remarked that instead of uncovering meaningful information, the reporters mostly acted as stenographers, reporting what was already provided by Pentagon officials.

Laura Loomer, a member of the new press group, posted a statement from a Pentagon spokesperson regarding the forthcoming Signalgate IG report, describing it as a complete exoneration of Hegseth. Psaki contrasted this with the work of mainstream journalists, who, despite being excluded from the Pentagon, managed to obtain accurate insights from sources familiar with the report.

The newly formed press corps consists of several controversial figures, including far-right activists James OKeefe and Jack Posobiec, along with former congressman Matt Gaetz. All members were required to sign an agreement to only report information approved by the Pentagon, effectively creating a state-aligned media group within the department.

Psaki also highlighted how the new press corps misrepresented previous news stories. She cited examples of Loomer, RC Maxwell, and 23-year-old TikTok influencer Lance Johnston, who falsely claimed they secured Washington Post reporter Dan Lamothes old desk. They also framed reports of U.S. military strikes as being distorted by mainstream media, downplaying serious allegations of war crimes in the process.

In sum, Psaki condemned the new Pentagon press corps for failing to hold leadership accountable and producing content that largely parrots official statements, rather than delivering independent journalism.

Author: Sophia Brooks