Journalists turn in access badges, exit Pentagon rather than agreeing new rules
15 hours ago
- #Press Freedom
- #Military Reporting
- #Pentagon
- Dozens of journalists turned in their Pentagon access badges rather than agree to new government-imposed reporting restrictions.
- The new rules, imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, would make journalists vulnerable to expulsion if they report on unapproved information.
- Reporters left together at a 4 p.m. deadline, abandoning workspaces and carrying out personal items.
- News organizations vowed to continue military coverage despite the new restrictions.
- President Trump supported the rules, calling the press 'very disruptive' and 'dishonest.'
- Hegseth has limited press access, holding few briefings and banning unescorted access to parts of the Pentagon.
- Journalists argue the rules undermine their role by preventing them from soliciting information.
- Reporting on military affairs will continue, but from outside the Pentagon, with some sources still willing to talk.
- The Pentagon Press Association and major media outlets opposed the rules, with only One America News Network signing on.