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Journalistic ethics

Epoch Times Reporter Resigns Over Pentagon Press Restrictions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The resignation of Andrew Thornebrooke, a national security reporter at The Epoch Times, has sparked controversy over new Pentagon guidelines that restrict press access. Thornebrooke cited the publication's increasing willingness to promote partisan materials and manipulate the reporting of its ground staff as reasons for his departure. The Epoch Times is one of only three U.S.-based outlets to agree to the measures imposed by Pete Hegseth's Department of Defense. Between 40 and 50 journalists have reportedly left the Pentagon press corps in protest.

Key Takeaways:

  • Andrew Thornebrooke, a national security reporter at The Epoch Times, resigned over the publication's decision to sign onto new Pentagon guidelines that restrict press access.
  • Thornebrooke claimed the publication chose to "abdicate our responsibility as journalists in favor of merely repeating state narratives."
  • The Epoch Times is one of only three U.S.-based outlets to agree to the measures imposed by Pete Hegseth's Department of Defense.
  • The new guidelines have sparked controversy, with 40 to 50 journalists reportedly leaving the Pentagon press corps in protest.
  • The Epoch Times Editor-in-Chief Jasper Fakkert defended the decision, stating that the guidelines do not impede The Epoch Times' reporting.
  • Thornebrooke's resignation is a high-profile example of the tension between journalists and the Pentagon over press access.
  • The Pentagon's new guidelines have been criticized by many journalists who view them as an attempt to restrict freedom of the press.

Statistics:

  • 3 U.S.-based outlets, including The Epoch Times, have agreed to the new Pentagon guidelines that restrict press access (The New York Times, 2025).
  • 40-50 journalists have reportedly left the Pentagon press corps in protest of the new guidelines (The Daily Beast).
  • Andrew Thornebrooke's resignation has sparked controversy over the role of journalists in promoting state narratives (The Epoch Times).
  • The Epoch Times is one of the few right-wing outlets to sign onto the new guidelines, highlighting the tension between journalists and the Pentagon (The New York Times).

Sources:

  • "Epoch Times Reporter Andrew Thornebrooke Resigns Over Pentagon Press Guidelines" (The New York Times, 2025/10/19)
  • "Epoch Times Editor-in-Chief Statement on New Pentagon Press Policy" (The Epoch Times, 2025/10/19)
  • "Journalists Walk Out of Pentagon in Protest of Absurd Rules" (The Daily Beast)

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