Major U.S. news outlets refuse to agree to the Pentagon’s new press requirements, which limit access to the Pentagon and government information. The Pentagon’s press policy, led by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, asks media organizations to sign an agreement to follow specific guidelines before gaining access to Pentagon officials and government information.
According to the BBC, journalists are barred from entering the Pentagon unless they report Department of Defense-authorized information.
“Journalists are technically not barred from reporting or publishing stories on the US military using information deemed unclassified,” states the BBC.
However, these journalists could be deemed a safety or security risk if they publish information not approved by the Pentagon, which threatens the press’ integrity and the public’s knowledge. The new policy would also require government clearance before military personnel share any information with the press. This policy marks another troubling attempt by the government to silence free speech, and this time, they are directly attacking the press. Luckily, news outlets are fighting back.
ABC News, CBS News, CNN, Fox News Media and NBC News released a joint statement rejecting the policy, saying the new requirements would “restrict journalists’ ability to keep the nation and the world informed of important national security issues. The policy is without precedent and threatens core journalistic protections.” Only One America News has agreed to sign the agreement. Other right-leaning news outlets, and surprisingly the controversial outlet, Fox News, have refused to sign off on the policy.
Last Wednesday, dozens of journalists packed their things and exited the Pentagon together. This protest marks the beginning of the fight for free speech, and major news outlets are setting an admirable example for what every news outlet should be doing: remaining loyal to truthful reporting, journalistic integrity and press freedom.
President Donald Trump claims “The press is very dishonest.” Hegseth believes it to be disruptive and the Trump administration claims these changes are necessary. The people know the truth; the government is trying to conceal its actions and motivations, silence Americans and enforce the nation’s compliance with its wishes. This policy does not come as a shock, as the First Amendment is constantly in danger under the current administration, but the resistance begins — the American people will have no censorship, no tyranny and no kings.
