The Pentagon in the United States is facing a strong backlash from major media outlets following the introduction of new restrictive rules on press access. The updated policy, issued under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, requires journalists covering the Pentagon to agree to stringent conditions, including obtaining prior authorisation before publishing any information, even if unclassified, and being escorted within large parts of the facility.
In response, most leading US news organisations, including ABC News, CBS News, CNN, NBC News, Fox News, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Newsmax, have refused to sign the new agreement. These outlets argue that the rules severely hinder journalists’ ability to report on crucial national security issues and pose an unprecedented threat to core journalistic protections. They warned that compliance would limit the public’s access to independent and essential coverage of the US military.
The Pentagon Press Association has criticised the policy for sending a chilling message to Department of Defense personnel and journalists alike, warning against unauthorised interactions and suggesting that reporting without express permission could lead to expulsion from the Pentagon press corps. The new rules demand journalists surrender their press credentials within 24 hours if they refuse to comply, effectively barring them from Pentagon premises.
Defense Secretary Hegseth, a former Fox News host, defended the policy by stating that access to the Pentagon is a privilege, not a right, and framed the rules as necessary for national security. However, many see the move as an attempt to stifle the free press and prevent scrutiny on issues such as military corruption, waste, and internal scandals.
In an unusual show of solidarity, broadcast networks united in a joint statement pledging to continue their Pentagon coverage without signing the new restrictions. The only major outlet publicly agreeing to the Pentagon’s new rules is the far-right One America News Network.
The dispute highlights growing tensions between the Trump administration and the media, with implications for press freedoms and public transparency regarding military operations and policy.