Pentagon Confirms Jennica Pounds Held Special Government Role Since July
Updated
Updated · The Bulwark · Aug 28
Pentagon Confirms Jennica Pounds Held Special Government Role Since July
2 articles · Updated · The Bulwark · Aug 28
Summary
Since July, Jennica Pounds — the X user known as “DataRepublican” — has worked as a temporary special government employee at the Pentagon, the department confirmed.
The role surfaced after Pounds wrongly accused State Department undersecretary Sarah B. Rogers of trying to entrap her for treason, prompting a critic on X to reveal her Defense Department ties.
The Pentagon confirmed her employment to multiple reporters but declined to say what job she holds or which office employs her.
Pounds had recently expanded from pro-Musk data posts into attacks on high-profile political targets, and the undisclosed Pentagon role is drawing scrutiny over whether her online interventions aligned with Pete Hegseth’s internal battles.
The disclosure adds to broader questions about Hegseth’s use of conservative influencers while restricting parts of the traditional Pentagon press corps.