The Pentagon has implemented a stringent new policy that significantly restricts press access, raising concerns among journalists and media organizations. Under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, this administration has issued draconian new restrictions on media outlets. Now, they have to get approval in order to go to press with any unclassified material. This decision follows an investigation into how details about a briefing, which was ultimately canceled on former President Donald Trump’s orders, were leaked.
The new policy requires that media establishments fill out an affidavit delineating safety needs for sworn credentialed media. Hegseth announced that the media will not be allowed to roam freely through sensitive areas. He continued with his unyielding declaration that, “The so-called ‘press’ does not own or operate the Pentagon — the American people do.” He made a point of discussing the need to adhere to strict protocols. Put on a badge and play by the rules — or leave,” he stated.
It was that investigation that spurred these regulatory changes, and the initial investigation resulted in the suspension of two Pentagon officials. Moreover, Hegseth’s specific actions have been rightly condemned. Specifically, Matt Murray, the executive editor of The Washington Post, has publicly condemned it. Murray blasted the practice as “an unconscionable act of censorship,” claiming it erodes independent journalism.
If the government has to approve news about our military, it undermines independent reporting. Unfortunately, that means the public is not getting truthful information. It’s receiving little more than what officials want them to see,” he said. The Society of Professional Journalists had criticized the new policy. They deemed it quite “alarming” and cautioned that it has potential to infringe upon protected First Amendment rights.
The Society submitted a vigorous statement of opposition: “This policy stinks of prior restraint. It is the most flagrant infringement of press freedom under the First Amendment and carries a perilous potential for government censorship.”
Hegseth runs full interference for the new book bans on social media—most notably on X, the site formerly known as Twitter. Hearings like this one are becoming critical to ensuring the safety of our nation. The directive states that a specific, responsible authorizing official should authorize the release of any information to the public. Even information that is not classified falls under this rule.
Morgan Lee, a reporter with The Associated Press, told us about her experience with this policy. She underscored its potential to erode journalistic integrity and transparency. The move drew immediate firestorm of criticism and legal debate over the balance between national security and the public’s need to know.
Critics have pointed out that these sorts of restrictions do more than just block press freedom. They have a chilling effect on independent journalism. The implications of this policy extend beyond immediate access to information; they raise fundamental questions about accountability and democracy in a government charged with serving its citizens.
