After the Pentagon’s deadline on Tuesday for reporters to sign new media access agreements passed, journalists from nearly all major news outlets returned their badges and left their roles. This followed their refusal to agree to revised policies set by the Army Corps.
On Wednesday, reporters were seen exiting the Pentagon as the Army implemented its new media policy, which requires journalists to sign authorization forms that outline access and information collection rules. The deadline for signing or returning eligibility certificates was set for Tuesday, and those who didn’t comply were instructed to vacate their offices the next day.
According to the Pentagon Press Association, “The Pentagon confiscated the badges of reporters from nearly every major U.S. media outlet because they declined to accept a new media policy that seemed to criminalize national security reporting and could lead to prosecution for those who signed it.”
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell defended the new policy, stating, “This policy doesn’t ask them to agree; it simply acknowledges their understanding of our regulations. This has caused significant upheaval within the press corps, with some portraying themselves as victims online. We stand by our policy, believing it serves the best interests of our military and national security.”
Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth remarked, “One would think the Pentagon press corps would want to acknowledge the president’s role in fostering peace, but they seem more focused on the policy surrounding the president.”
He suggested that perhaps the policy should mirror those at the White House or other military facilities, where a press badge is necessary for access, indicating that previously, journalists could move almost freely within the Pentagon, an extremely sensitive area.
Hegseth added, “By signing the credentials, we won’t provide them with classified information and shouldn’t compel our soldiers to violate the law. It’s common sense. We prioritize respecting our national security, and we take pride in that policy.”
White House Communications Director Stephen Chan noted on X that some reporters had shared privately that they felt pressured to join in the strike, having faced physical confrontations and threats of retaliation if they opted out.
Major news organizations, including the Washington Post, New York Times, Reuters, CNN, and NPR, announced earlier this week their decision not to sign the revised access forms, expressing concerns that the rules could deter reporting and blur the lines between national security and public accountability.
This policy, finalized in September, requires eligible journalists to acknowledge information security procedures, escort policies, and travel limitations within the Pentagon by signing a “summary” form. While the Army insists that the rule does not hinder reporting and does not require prior approval for interviews, journalists contend that the ambiguous language might expose them to retaliation and prosecution for pursuing unauthorized information.
