The Pentagon still cannot adequately prove what it owns, what some of it is worth, and whether all of its financial records are reliable. Meanwhile, taxpayers keep writing bigger checks. WHO IS SUPPOSED TO BE WATCHING THIS MONEY?

Reporters walk out of the Pentagon together Wednesday after turning in their credentials. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) INTRODUCTION In his latest act of political muscle, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth tried to muzzle the media by forcing reporters to sign a loyalty-style agreement just to enter the Pentagon. The press corps refused. Now, Hegseth’s attempt to control the narrative will backfire spectacularly. Instead of silencing critics, he’s liberated them. The Pent