CENTCOM official admits to maintaining secret journalist blacklist

A U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) official has admitted that the military command maintains a secret directory of journalists who have been blacklisted by its press office. During an inquiry regarding the conflict in Iran, CENTCOM executive assistant Richard Allee confirmed the existence of the list, stating, “You’ll be put on a list of people to disregard,” when addressing a reporter.

While the specific identities of those on the list remain undisclosed, the revelation occurs amid allegations of a cover-up regarding U.S. casualties and civilian deaths in Iran. The disclosure follows increased pressure on press freedoms under War Secretary Pete Hegseth, including efforts to restrict journalist access to the Pentagon and outlaw certain types of questioning.

Advocacy groups, such as the Freedom of the Press Foundation, have characterized these actions as unconstitutional attempts to intimidate and silence critical reporting through legal proceedings and administrative blacklisting.