Gabrielle Cuccia, a journalist reporting on the Pentagon for the conservative network One America News Network (OAN), found herself unemployed after expressing criticism towards Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a Trump appointee. An openly dedicated supporter of Donald Trump, Cuccia wrote candidly on Substack about Hegseth’s influence on media access within the Pentagon.
Cuccia published her detailed post titled “The Secretary of Defense-ive” shortly after Hegseth implemented new measures tightening the movement of reporters within the Pentagon under the guise of national security. In her post, she argued these restrictions were unnecessary since security protocols and monitoring systems were already in place to prevent unauthorized access to secure areas. Cuccia countered Hegseth’s approach, pointing out that any significant leaks were originating from his inner circle rather than the press.
Expressing her discontent, Cuccia questioned Hegseth’s reluctance to hold press briefings, suggesting that if the President could handle tough questions, so should the Secretary of Defense. Merely three days following her Substack piece, Cuccia reported that her access badge to the Pentagon had been revoked, culminating in her sudden job termination.
While there was a lack of clarity on who prompted the internal decision at OAN, Cuccia conveyed that her Substack post had drawn significant attention. The network declined further comments on personnel matters. Despite the controversy, Cuccia remained defiant, advocating for accountability and transparency over retaliation when journalists highlight governmental overreach.
Traditionally, established media outlets discourage personal opinions from journalists covering news subjects, primarily to preserve impartiality. Nonetheless, exceptions can arise, particularly when press freedom is challenged, as Tom Rosenstiel, a journalism professor, noted.
Congressional bodies like the Pentagon Press Association criticized Hegseth’s policies as a direct violation of press freedom. Meanwhile, OAN continues its overt support for Trump, often reshuffling its internal coverage responsibilities to favor pro-Trump narratives. When Hegseth rescinded workspace access for many news organizations earlier this year, Cuccia notably gained what had formerly been NBC News’ space.
Although Cuccia’s critique might have ruffled feathers within her predominantly Trump-supporting network, it remains uncertain if she will receive defense from within similar ideological circles. Cuccia reflected on this dilemma within her Substack post, indicating that dissenting opinions on policy or figures within the MAGA community are often met with accusations of insufficient loyalty to the cause.