Dozens of journalists left the Pentagon on Wednesday after refusing to comply with government-mandated restrictions on their reporting, distancing them from the hub of U.S. military operations. The U.S. government defended the rules as “common sense.”
Media outlets overwhelmingly opposed the regulations imposed by U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, which could lead to expulsion for journalists seeking to cover unapproved information, whether classified or not.
Ahead of the 4 p.m. ET deadline set by the Defence Department, reporters gathered their belongings and exited the premises together. Around 40 to 50 journalists left simultaneously after turning in their access badges, with some carrying boxes of documents and equipment out of the building.
Nancy Youssef, a long-time Pentagon reporter for The Atlantic, expressed both sadness and pride in the unified stance taken by the press corps. Despite the upheaval, news organizations pledged to maintain comprehensive coverage of military affairs.
President Donald Trump voiced support for the new rules during a White House briefing, citing the press as disruptive and dishonest. Hegseth, a former Fox News Channel host, has restricted media access and cracked down on leaks even before implementing the latest policy changes.
The requirement for journalists to sign a document outlining the rules was deemed by Hegseth as a formality to acknowledge, not necessarily agree with, the regulations. However, journalists view this as an attempt to control the narrative and limit their journalistic freedom.
Reporters reassured the public via social media that they will continue their reporting despite the challenges. The Pentagon Press Association and a wide range of news organizations, including traditional outlets and conservative platforms, denounced the rules, with most refusing to comply and leaving the premises.
While the impact of the new rules remains uncertain, journalists remain resolute in their commitment to upholding the public’s right to information and holding those in power accountable.
