The Briefing with Jen Psaki Judge hands Hegseth huge defeat on media restrictions as Trump continues to wing it on Iran
15 snips
Mar 21, 2026 
Anna Gomez, FCC commissioner warning that the Nexstar–Tegna merger threatens local news and consumer choice. Ben Rhodes, former deputy national security advisor, and Rob Malley, former U.S. special envoy for Iran, analyze U.S. strategy, Iran's asymmetric tactics, risks of escalation, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, and drone vulnerabilities. Multiple short takes on press freedom and media consolidation.
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Federal Court Restores Pentagon Press Freedom
- Judge Paul Friedman ruled Pete Hegseth's Pentagon press restrictions unconstitutional, restoring reporters' ability to seek unclassified information not preauthorized by the department.
- The ruling emphasized that public access to diverse perspectives is crucial during wartime so citizens can hold government accountable and decide at the ballot box.
Hormuz Closure Has Global Economic Bite
- Jen Psaki highlights that closure of the Strait of Hormuz affects global oil supply and therefore U.S. consumers through higher gasoline prices.
- The International Energy Agency warned this conflict could be the greatest global energy threat in history and take months to resolve.
Mixed Messages On Reopening Hormuz
- President Trump publicly downplayed the crisis and suggested the strait might "open itself" or be left to other nations, signaling inconsistent objectives.
- Psaki points out there's no clear plan to reopen Hormuz and the administration's messaging is chaotic.