Story perspectives

Pentagon Adds TMZ to Press Pool Amid Ethics Concerns

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced on April 24 that TMZ gained Pentagon recognition, joining the Department of Defense (DoD) press pool.
Founder Harvey Levin has a history of breaking stories and paying sources, a practice that can conflict with congressional ethics rules.
Lacking congressional press-gallery credentials, TMZ relies on interviews and ambush videos.
It posted images of Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. Cory Booker away from Washington during DHS shutdown.

History

Historical Context

In 1971 the Supreme Court’s New York Times Co. v. United States ruling protected the Pentagon Papers’ 7,000-page leak and forced the Pentagon to expand press access. By 1973 the Defense Department created a formal pool that included five major newspapers. On April 24 2024 Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that tabloid TMZ will join that pool, extending the legacy to unconventional outlets.

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Story summary

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced on April 24 that TMZ gained Pentagon recognition, joining the Department of Defense (DoD) press pool.
Founder Harvey Levin has a history of breaking stories and paying sources, a practice that can conflict with congressional ethics rules.
Lacking congressional press-gallery credentials, TMZ relies on interviews and ambush videos.
It posted images of Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. Cory Booker away from Washington during DHS shutdown.

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