Dozens of journalists left the Pentagon on Wednesday after refusing to accept new restrictions imposed by the U.S. Department of Defense on their reporting activities. The new rules, introduced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, require reporters to sign a document that could result in expulsion if they attempt to report information not approved for release, whether classified or not.
News organizations largely rejected these conditions, leading to a coordinated exit at the 4 p.m. deadline set by the Pentagon. Reporters were seen carrying personal belongings and equipment out of their workspaces as they turned in their access badges.
“It’s sad, but I’m also really proud of the press corps that we stuck together,” said Nancy Youssef, a reporter for The Atlantic who has worked at the Pentagon since 2007.
The impact of these changes remains uncertain, but media outlets have pledged to continue covering military affairs from outside the building. Many journalists expressed concern that these rules undermine their ability to gather information independently.
“What they’re really doing, they want to spoon-feed information to the journalist, and that would be their story. That’s not journalism,” said Jack Keane, a retired U.S. Army general and Fox News analyst.
Youssef also questioned the rationale behind agreeing not to solicit information from military officials: “To agree to not solicit information is to agree to not be a journalist,” she said. “Our whole goal is soliciting information.”
President Donald Trump voiced support for Hegseth’s approach during remarks at the White House, stating: “I think he finds the press to be very disruptive in terms of world peace. The press is very dishonest.”
Since taking office as defense secretary, Hegseth has limited press briefings and restricted reporters’ movement within the Pentagon unless escorted.
Heather Mongillo of USNINews shared her perspective online: “It’s such a tiny thing, but I was really proud to see my picture up on the wall of Pentagon correspondents. Today, I’ll hand in my badge. The reporting will continue.”
NPR reporter Tom Bowman wrote about his experiences receiving tips from sources inside and outside official channels: “They knew the American public deserved to know what’s going on,” Bowman wrote. “With no reporters able to ask questions, it seems the Pentagon leadership will continue to rely on slick social media posts, carefully orchestrated short videos and interviews with partisan commentators and podcasters. No one should think that’s good enough.”
The Pentagon Press Association represents over 100 members from 56 news organizations and has publicly opposed these new regulations. Media outlets across political lines instructed their staff not to sign onto them; only One America News Network agreed.
Gabrielle Cuccia, a former OANN reporter who was dismissed earlier this year after criticizing Hegseth’s policies in an online column, suggested OANN’s decision may be aimed at gaining favor with Trump administration officials.
