The Pentagon has announced a new policy requiring credentialed journalists at its military headquarters to sign a pledge that prohibits them from reporting any information that has not been sanctioned for release, which includes even unclassified information. This directive, outlined in a 17-page memo distributed on a recent Friday, imposes stricter media restrictions than those seen in prior administrations, particularly during the presidency of Donald Trump.

According to the memo, "Information must be approved for public release by an appropriate authorizing official before it is released, even if it is unclassified." Journalists who fail to adhere to this policy risk losing their credentials, which provide them access to the Pentagon. The new restrictions have sparked significant backlash from advocates for press freedom, who view the non-disclosure requirement as a direct assault on independent journalism. National Press Club President Mike Balsamo articulated concerns, stating, "If the news about our military must first be approved by the government, then the public is no longer getting independent reporting. It is getting only what officials want them to see. That should alarm every American."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News Channel personality, underscored the new restrictions in a post on social media platform X. He emphasized that "the press does not run the Pentagon — the people do" and asserted that journalists would no longer be allowed to "roam the halls" of the secure facility freely. He insisted that credentialed media must wear badges and follow the established rules, or they risk being sent home.

This year, the Pentagon has already evicted several news organizations and instituted multiple restrictions on the press. These measures include a ban on reporters entering large areas of the Pentagon without a government escort—areas that had been accessible to the media during previous administrations. The backdrop to these stricter media controls includes a series of embarrassing incidents for the Defense Department, such as a communications mishap involving Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, and leaks surrounding sensitive military discussions, including those about potential conflicts with China.

In response to the Pentagon's new policy, the Society of Professional Journalists issued a statement expressing alarm, labeling the restrictions as a manifestation of "prior restraint," a significant violation of press freedom enshrined in the First Amendment. They decried government efforts to silence the press under the pretext of security as part of a troubling trend toward increasing hostility against transparency and democratic practices.

Additionally, Matt Murray, executive editor of The Washington Post, criticized the new policy in the publication's columns, arguing that it is detrimental to the American public's interest. "The Constitution protects the right to report on the activities of democratically elected and appointed government officials," he said. "Any attempt to control messaging and curb access by the government is counter to the First Amendment and against the public interest."

The Pentagon's move expands on a broader narrative of press relations under the Trump administration, which has been characterized by escalating threats, lawsuits, and government pressure on media organizations. Observers continue to watch how these developments will unfold and their implications for press freedom, transparency, and accountability in reporting on military activities.