Multiple news outlets are refusing to sign an agreement to follow new Pentagon reporting restrictions imposed by President Donald Trump’s Department of War.
According to a recent Pentagon memorandum, news outlets reporting from the Pentagon will be required by the Trump administration to sign a pledge agreeing that they will not publish classified or unclassified information without authorization from officials.
The memorandum states, “Information must be approved for public release by an appropriate authorizing official before it is released, even if it is unclassified.”
The Post Millennial reported that The New York Times, CNN, The Guardian, Newsmax, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, The Atlantic, Breaking Defense, and other news outlets have confirmed that they do not plan to sign the Pentagon’s pledge. News outlets that do not sign the Pentagon’s pledge will be forced to turn in their press credentials by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday and remove items from the Pentagon’s press offices, according to Military.com.
In a Monday statement, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth explained the Pentagon’s new press restrictions, saying, “Pentagon access is a privilege, not a right. So, here is @DeptofWar press credentialing FOR DUMMIES.” Hegseth noted that members of the Press will no longer roam free, will be required to wear a visible badge, and will no longer be allowed to “solicit criminal acts.”
Hegseth added, “DONE. Pentagon now has same rules as every U.S military installation.”
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In a statement announcing that The Washington Post will not sign the Pentagon’s new policy requirements, Washington Post Executive Editor Matt Murray wrote, “The proposed restrictions undercut First Amendment protections by placing unnecessary constraints on gathering and publishing information. We will continue to vigorously and fairly report on the policies and positions of the Pentagon and officials across the government.”
The New York Times Washington Bureau Chief Richard Stevenson claimed that the Pentagon’s new policy “threatens to punish” reporters for “ordinary news gathering” and “constrains how journalists can report on the US military.” Stevenson added, “The public has a right to know how the government and military are operating.”
Responding to statements from The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Atlantic regarding their refusal to sign the Pentagon’s pledge, Hegseth shared a “hand waving goodbye” emoji.
Hegseth previously shared a statement emphasizing that the media “does not run the Pentagon” and that reporters would no longer be “allowed to roam the halls of a secure facility.” Hegseth added, “Wear a badge and follow the rules — or go home.”
Sean Parnell, chief spokesman for the Pentagon, also released a statement, saying, “Let’s be absolutely clear: journalists are not required to clear their stories with us. This claim is a lie.”
