Press Outcry Over New Pentagon Access Rules
Journalists across the spectrum face a Tuesday deadline—5 PM to be exact—to decide whether to accept the Army Corps’ revised agreement for access to the Pentagon. If they choose not to comply, they’ll have to relinquish their credentials. Notable outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, The Atlantic, Reuters, and Newsmax have all indicated they won’t be signing these new rules.
The latest media access policy from the Department of the Army has drawn sharp criticism from both domestic and international media, who claim it imposes unacceptable curbs on press freedom. Finalized last month and set to take effect this week, the rule stipulates that journalists must sign a form detailing restrictions on what information they can gather or publish to maintain their credentials for reporting on the Pentagon.
Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth defended these new guidelines, stating, “The news organization doesn’t run the Pentagon—the people do. The press won’t be allowed to roam the halls of a secure facility anymore. Wear your badge and follow the rules, or go home.” This statement was part of a post he shared on September 19.
According to notes obtained from Daily Wire, reporters with Defense Facility Alternative Certification (PFAC) will need to sign a “summary form” that acknowledges security protocols and requirements for accompanied access. The Department of Defense’s Force Protection Agency is issuing new PFACs marked “PRESS” and plans to prioritize distribution to resident media until September 30, then to visiting media starting October 1. The new memo directs officials to keep unescorted journalists confined to designated areas, warning that violations could result in disbarment.
Initially, Hegseth outlined that this shift stems from a May memo emphasizing national security and protecting classified information. It restricted media access to specific areas, including the Secretary of Defense’s office, and established that interviews would require escorts.
On September 24, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell remarked that it was unsurprising the mainstream media misrepresented reporting procedures. He clarified that journalists aren’t obligated to disclose their stories to the Pentagon, asserting, “This claim is false.” He emphasized the importance of wearing press ID and cautioned against encouraging staff to breach Department of War policies.
A letter shared with the Committee on Freedom of the Press asserted that the new short form doesn’t restrict journalistic activities like reporting or publishing and that these activities are protected under the First Amendment. Yet, it reminded credential holders about potential security risks and access protocols, stating that publishing unauthorized information wouldn’t typically lead to disciplinary measures.
Despite these reassurances, many in the press continue to resist. On October 13, multiple news organizations announced their refusal to endorse the new policy.
The Washington Post Editor-in-Chief Matt Murray stated, “Washington Post journalists will not sign onto the Pentagon’s new media access policy. The proposed restrictions undermine First Amendment protections by imposing unnecessary limitations.” He assured continued fair and vigorous reporting on the Department of Defense.
The Atlantic‘s Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg echoed similar sentiments, asserting their opposition to the restrictions imposed by the Trump administration on defense reporting, claiming it infringes on First Amendment rights.
Furthermore, The New York Times‘ Washington Bureau Chief Richard Stevenson explained that the new policy would penalize reporters for actions that should be protected, emphasizing public interest in how government and military operations are managed, especially given the substantial taxpayer funding involved.
On October 13, Hegseth tweeted a dismissive response to the refusal from a news outlet, summarizing the new policy as stating, “DOD access is a privilege, not a right.” In a follow-up, he outlined that the press must visibly wear their badges and can no longer roam freely.
California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to Hegseth’s tweet, quipping that it seemed like a crackdown on freedom of speech and press. Other commentators joined in, referencing political parody and free speech issues linked to recent laws introduced in California.
The Department of Defense Press Association criticized the policy for stifling Pentagon officials and risking retaliation against journalists seeking unapproved information. They voiced concerns about the potential of such measures impacting everyone involved.
News Organizations Rejecting New Policy:
- The Washington Post
- The New York Times
- The Atlantic
- CNN
- Reuters
- NPR
- The Guardian
- Axios
- Associated Press
- The Wall Street Journal
- The Hill
- HuffPost
- Break Through the Defense
- The Washington Times
- Newsmax
One Outlet Agreeing to Sign:
- One America News Network (OAN)
In an opinion piece, NPR’s Tom Bowman articulated that signing the new rules would effectively turn journalists into mere stenographers, parroting official communications instead of holding authorities accountable. He expressed concerns that these restrictions would limit the press’s ability to obtain truthful information about military operations.
