United States Department of Defense

Epoch Times National Security Reporter Resigns Over Pentagon Policy and Editorial Direction

A national security reporter at The Epoch Times has resigned following the publication’s decision to sign Pentagon media rules. Andrew Thornebrooke cited concerns over editorial independence and directives to label antifa as a terrorist organization in his resignation.

Reporter Departs Conservative Publication Over Ethical Concerns

A national security reporter at The Epoch Times has resigned from his position, citing the publication’s decision to sign the Pentagon’s new media rules and recent editorial directives regarding the characterization of antifa, according to reports obtained by The New York Times. Andrew Thornebrooke, who covered defense-related issues for the conservative outlet, submitted his resignation on Friday, stating he could no longer reconcile his journalistic responsibilities with the publication’s direction.

by Aaron BlakeOctober 19, 2025November 2, 2025

Digital Media Energy Policy

Pentagon Press Rules Face Boycott from New York Times, AP, Newsmax

The New York Times, Associated Press, and Newsmax are among media outlets refusing to sign the Pentagon’s new press policy. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s rules could lead to journalist expulsions, sparking First Amendment debates about military press access.

Major news organizations including The New York Times, Associated Press, and conservative outlet Newsmax have announced they will not sign the Pentagon’s new press rules, setting up a potential mass expulsion of journalists from Defense Department facilities. The unprecedented standoff centers on First Amendment protections and what reporters describe as restrictive media policies that could punish routine news gathering.