False credential lists circulating on X, Telegram, and Facebook allege that the Pentagon expelled legacy outlets—including the New York Times, Washington Post, Reuters, ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox News—and handed briefing access to LindellTV, Turning Point USA, Jack Posobiec, and The Gateway Pundit. The rumor spread without supporting documentation and contradicted the department’s posted briefings.【1fc9fd†L22-L31】

Defense Department transcripts from the week of 13–17 October 2025 show reporters from the supposedly banned outlets questioning Pentagon officials. The October 14 briefing opens with Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson calling on Washington Post correspondent Dan Lamothe, Fox News’ Liz Friden, and CBS’ Ellee Watson, confirming their continued credentialed access.【c79dd7†L1-L12】【b2ee7a†L1-L8】

Additional transcripts list New York Times national security reporter Eric Schmitt, NBC News correspondent Courtney Kube, ABC News national security journalist Luis Martinez, and Reuters defense reporter Mike Stone among the press pool, directly refuting the viral claim that they were removed.【65d35a†L1-L8】【ecf2b5†L1-L9】【98a93f†L1-L12】【1fc9fd†L22-L28】

No Pentagon documentation, credential notices, or press association statements corroborate the claim that LindellTV, Tim Pool, Jack Posobiec, Turning Point USA, Gateway Pundit, The National Pulse, or The Post Millennial received new Pentagon hard passes. The department’s published transcripts and media guidance continue to reflect the longstanding mix of wire services, broadcast networks, and national newspapers that have historically staffed the Pentagon press room.【1fc9fd†L22-L31】【b2ee7a†L1-L8】