On Wednesday, nearly fifty journalists staged a mass exodus from the Pentagon, handing in their credentials and clearing out their desks. The catalyst for this drastic action was a set of new rules imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—now titled “Secretary of War” following an executive order by Donald Trump—which require prior government approval for journalistic activities. The reaction from the media was unanimous: a firm rejection.
“What’s at stake is government transparency, public accountability, and freedom of speech for all,” warned the Pentagon Press Association (PPA), representing over a hundred professionals from 56 outlets. The scene was telling: reporters carrying boxes of personal and work items exited the building en masse just before the 4:00 p.m. deadline to accept the new information regime or relinquish access.
The Controversial New Guidelines
The newly instituted rules dictate that journalists cannot request information or publish leaks—classified or not—without prior approval from the Secretary of War. While the guidelines stop short of outright banning coverage, they caution that those seeking unauthorized information could be deemed a security threat.
Tom Bowman of NPR criticized the policy as one that effectively “silences Pentagon employees” and forces journalists to accept the official narrative as the sole truth. "It makes no sense to sign off on rules stating we shouldn't ask officials for information," stated Nancy Youssef, a correspondent for The Atlantic since 2007. “Accepting not to ask questions means accepting not to be a journalist. Our main goal is to inquire,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon argues the measures are intended to protect troops and safeguard national security. “It’s in the best interest of our troops,” claimed spokesman Sean Parnell, while Hegseth accused the media of “playing the victim” and “stealing classified information.”
A Rare Unified Media Stance
The unprecedented nature of this moment lies not just in the actions taken, but in the unified response from the media. From The New York Times, AP, Reuters, and The Washington Post, to Fox News and Newsmax, all refused to sign the document. Only One America News Network—a far-right outlet aligned with Trump—accepted the conditions.
Even Fox News, where Hegseth was once a host, joined ABC, NBC, CBS, and CNN in a joint statement condemning the policy as “unprecedented and endangering the fundamental protections of journalism.” For the first time since the Eisenhower administration, the Pentagon finds itself devoid of any major media presence in its halls. However, reporting will carry on.
“The credential is gone, but the work continues,” wrote Dan Lamothe of the Washington Post, while USNINews’ Heather Mongillo took pride in her correspondent photo on the wall.
The Ongoing Battle for Press Freedom
The Pentagon Press Association warned that this policy poses an implicit threat to criminalize national security reporting and subjects signatories to potential reprisals. In practice, it restricts access, eliminates routine press conferences, and impoverishes the flow of information.
Retired General and Fox analyst Jack Keane bluntly summarized the situation: “What they’re really doing is trying to spoon-feed information to journalists. That’s not journalism.”
Veteran journalist Martha Raddatz of ABC News, who has covered wars for over 30 years, shared her farewell to the Pentagon on social media with a mix of sadness and determination. “This is the memory I wanted to take as I left the building,” she wrote.
Meanwhile, reporter Barbara Starr was unequivocal: “No one voted to limit the American people’s right to know what their military is doing.”
Institutional Hostility Towards the Media
Donald Trump fully supported the measure, stating, “The press is very disruptive in terms of world peace,” and labeling journalists as “very dishonest.” His administration has already engaged in legal battles with major outlets like CBS News, The New York Times, ABC News, and AP, while persistently undermining the legitimacy of the press.
In September, Trump's administration formally changed the title from Secretary of Defense to Secretary of War, marking a symbolic break from the civilian tradition of the Armed Forces. The media policy implemented by Hegseth is seen as part of a broader strategy of opacity and narrative control, aligning with the administration’s authoritarian trends.
Reporters Without Borders ranks the United States 57th in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. “Trust in the media is collapsing, reporters face increasing hostility, and many local outlets are disappearing,” the report warns. “Trump also ended federal funding for the Global Media Agency, severely impacting the international news landscape.”
The Unyielding Spirit of Journalism
Despite institutional hostility, journalists refuse to back down. “They knew the American people deserved to know what was happening,” wrote Tom Bowman about his sources within the Pentagon. “Without reporters able to ask questions, Pentagon leadership will continue relying on orchestrated publications and interviews with partisan podcasters. No one should believe that’s enough.”
In a nation founded on the freedom of speech, the media has risen, not for a corporate battle, but to defend the public’s right to know what their government is doing. “The press doesn’t just report. It’s the bridge between the people and their military. Removing that bridge is isolating the truth,” declared former spokesman Pete Williams.
Press Freedom Questions and Answers
Why did journalists leave the Pentagon?
Journalists left the Pentagon in protest against new rules requiring government approval for information requests and publication, which they viewed as a threat to press freedom.
What are the new rules imposed by the Pentagon?
The new rules mandate that journalists cannot request information or publish leaks without prior approval from the Secretary of War, under the guise of protecting national security.
How has the media responded to the Pentagon's new policy?
The media has broadly rejected the new policy, with major outlets refusing to sign the document, viewing it as a threat to journalistic freedom and transparency.