On Oct. 15, accredited Pentagon journalists departed the building early afternoon, carrying folders, books, and chairs as the department imposed a new policy requiring pre‑approval for all released information.
Journalists Leave Pentagon
On October 15, accredited Pentagon journalists seized the opportunity to leave the facility after receiving a memorandum from the department’s leadership outlining new rules. The notice gave them until midday to sign a policy that would restrict their access to all information unless it received prior approval from an authorized officer.
When the hour shifted to 4 p.m., staff from a range of outlets—The Atlantic, CNN, BBC, Reuters, and others—exited the building in a coordinated manner, carrying boxes, books, personal items, and even desks and copiers. “It’s sad, but I’m proud of how the press corps united,” said Associated Press reporter Nancy Youssef, who has covered the Pentagon since 2007.
Hegseth in Conflict with Journalists
The new regulation stipulates that all Pentagon information, even that marked as “secret,” must be approved by a designated official before disclosure. Charles Stadlander, press secretary for The New York Times, condemned the rule as a direct affront to constitutional press freedom and an attempt to limit public understanding of government actions.
Major media houses such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, BBC, and Reuters, along with right‑wing outlets Fox News, Washington Times, and Newsmax, announced that their reporters would not endorse the new policy, citing the precedent it sets for press restrictions.
Trump Supports Pentagon Chief
When questioned, former President Donald Trump defended the policy, labeling the press “unfair” and justifying the changes by claiming that Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon secretary, views the media as overly burdensome. Trump expressed concern that journalists “walking with military personnel” could have “tragic consequences.”
Hegseth described the new rules as “sound prudence” designed to prevent reporters from “roving around” the Pentagon. He noted that journalists are already limited in their movements and access to certain rooms and classified information.
