David Barstow's 2008 Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation revealed that the Pentagon ran a covert propaganda program from 2002-2008, briefing 74 retired military officers who appeared as 'independent analysts' on TV networks. They received 147 private briefings, access to classified intelligence, and trips to Iraq. 43 of the analysts had undisclosed financial ties to defense contractors. Donald Rumsfeld personally participated in 20 events. Networks never disclosed the arrangement. The Pentagon ended the program after exposure.
The Pentagon planted 74 retired military officers as 'independent' TV analysts to sell the Iraq War
βThose 'independent military analysts' you see on CNN, Fox, NBC, and CBS are not independent at all. The Pentagon is secretly briefing them and feeding them talking points to sell the war to the American public.β
π The Receipts
βοΈ The Record, Side by Side
What they said vs. what the evidence shows
βThe military analyst program was an outreach effort to ensure retired officers had accurate, timely information. There was nothing improper about briefing former military leaders.β
β Pentagon Press Secretary Β· Apr 2008
π They Laughed At Us
βThe military analyst program was an outreach effort to ensure retired officers had accurate, timely information. There was nothing improper about briefing former military leaders.β
β³ The Vindication Timeline
From βcrazyβ to confirmed
The Claim Is Made
This is the moment they called it crazy.
Confirmed: They Were Right
The truth comes out. Officially documented.
Confirmed: They Were Right
The truth comes out. Officially documented.
π How Right We Were
The People Speak(134)
No one's said anything yet. Be the first to drop your take.
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