The Department of Defense has revised its regulations regarding press access, drawing attention from legal experts and media advocates who describe these changes as “unprecedented” limitations for journalists at the country’s military headquarters.
Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George Washington University and contributor to various outlets, cautioned that this could be a “bridge too far,” potentially leading to serious repercussions.
“There’s really no precedent for what they’re trying to implement,” Turley remarked during a “special report” on Monday.
The new policy mandates that journalists must sign a pledge agreeing not to publish any information that hasn’t been officially cleared for release, encompassing even materials that aren’t classified. Those who refuse might face revoked access.
Turley elaborated that this effectively holds reporters accountable for any information not included in a press release, which he considers a dangerous precedent for the free press. He expressed, “This is going to constrict the free press, and the implications are significant.”
In a separate reaction, Pentagon officials rebuffed a report from the Washington Post that suggested they were “risking their lives” regarding War Secretary Pete Hegses’ safety.
Secretary Hegses defended the new measures, asserting that they aim to prevent leaks and safeguard information related to the Pentagon. “Repeatedly, we see classified information being leaked or misused for political gain, just to undermine the President’s image,” he remarked at a press conference in June.
This policy has prompted pushback from various media organizations and political figures. Critics argue that such rules may obstruct public understanding of the government’s actions and restrict reports that don’t align with the official narrative.
Nebraska Representative Don Bacon openly criticized the initiative, stating, “It sounds so absurd that I can hardly believe it’s real. We hope for a press that informs, not one that merely echoes the government line. The free press contributes to a better nation.” He called the influence of this order “breathtaking.” Both the Department of Defense and the media historically collaborated to ensure transparency around national security issues.
Turley acknowledged that while access is indeed a privilege, the Pentagon has a tradition of allowing media interactions that enable them to accurately tell stories. Yet, he raised concerns regarding the policy’s breadth, noting that even non-categorized information cannot be shared without explicit approval. “The level of control being exerted is astonishing,” he stated.
Interestingly, President Trump seemed to disagree with the policy when questioned by reporters on Sunday. He asserted that the Pentagon shouldn’t dictate media coverage, stating, “No, I don’t think so. There’s nothing preventing reporters from doing their job.”
