A former correspondent for One America News Network (OANN) claims she was dismissed after critiquing the Secretary of Defense on the Sassack Post during Memorial Day.
Gabriel Cuccia, who identifies as a “Maga girl,” began her recent post by clarifying her unwavering support for President Trump.
However, she directed her criticisms at the Pentagon, focusing on new rules that limit journalists’ access to the area. Cuccia argued that the true leaks within the Department of Defense are “not coming from the media” but rather from high-level officials, including those close to Hegseth.
In her piece on Substack, she described these access limitations as a means of restricting freedom under the guise of “national security.”
Cuccia suggested that the Pentagon’s depiction of journalists freely infiltrating sensitive areas and exposing top-secret information is misleading. “That’s simply not true,” she asserted, noting that security measures are stringent and easily detectable.
She also showed support for her fellow reporters, expressing her disapproval of major news outlets like CNN and MSNBC while acknowledging that their work doesn’t threaten national security.
Cuccia criticized Hegseth for failing to hold a press conference, disclosing that his team had previously reached out to her regarding the only press briefing, asking which questions she planned to pose.
She remarked that the White House recognizes the importance of press freedom and keeps its doors open.
Shortly after publishing her critical Substack post, Cuccia learned that her job at OANN had ended. “By Friday,” she stated, “I was out of work.”
According to the Associated Press, the Department of Defense had not revoked her credentials. OANN’s president declined to comment on the personnel matter.
Cuccia mentioned that while her Substack article was noted by OANN, she refrained from discussing the specifics of her termination or her conversation with her former employer.
“When reporters pose uncomfortable questions about government practices, the response shouldn’t be silence or dismissal,” Cuccia emphasized.
The Hill reached out for comment from both Cuccia and OANN.
