On Saturday, 22 October, accredited reporters left the Pentagon in a coordinated walk‑out at 4 p.m. after refusing to sign new, restrictive information‑access rules.
Pentagon Exit
At 4 p.m. on Saturday, journalists from various newsrooms left the Pentagon simultaneously, carrying boxes of documents, books, personal items and even furniture. The move followed an ultimatum that they must sign the new policy by Wednesday, 15 October or face expulsion.
New Access Policy
The Department of Defense issued a memorandum stating that all information must be approved by an authorized official before public release, even if it is classified. Information marked as top‑secret is subject to stricter limits. Under the new rules, reporters could be removed for publishing content that had not been vetted by the Pentagon’s spokesperson, Pete Hegseth.
Media Resistance
Major outlets—The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, BBC and Reuters—refused to comply. Conservative stations and papers, including Fox News, The Washington Times and Newsmax, also declared they would not sign the policy. Associated Press reporter Nancy Youssef, who has covered the Pentagon since 2007, said the departure was “sad but a proud moment for the press corps that united.”
Hegseth’s Rationale
Hegseth, who has been an Army journalist and Fox News host until 2024, called the new rules “common sense” designed to prevent reporters from “sneering” around the Pentagon. He argued that the policy protects the Department from leaks that could have “tragic consequences.” Critics, including The New York Times press officer Charles Stadlander, said the demands directly conflict with constitutional protections of a free press.
Trump’s Support
President Donald Trump praised the Pentagon chief’s measures, accusing the press of being “unfair” and too bothersome. Trump said the changes were necessary because Hegseth views the press as excessively disruptive, and added that he is “alarmed” by reporters asking soldiers questions that could lead to “tragic outcomes.”
