Major US Media Walk Out Pentagon Over Restrictive Press Policy

A new Pentagon press policy requires reporters to be accompanied by staff in certain areas and prohibits soliciting unauthorized information, leading most major US news outlets to return their press badges in protest, claiming the policy infringes on First Amendment rights and restricts essential newsgathering. The Pentagon defends the policy as a national security measure clarifying lawful disclosures and denies confiscating badges, stating journalists voluntarily surrendered them. Critics argue the policy effectively grants the military extensive control over press access, criminalizing routine reporting and potentially encouraging leaks by limiting transparency. This standoff highlights tensions between press freedom and government security concerns, with many journalists emphasizing their ability to report effectively outside the Pentagon building. Meanwhile, some media outlets and commentators note that the policy has been mischaracterized in coverage, with misunderstandings about reporters being forced to pledge compliance rather than simply acknowledging new rules. The debate underscores ongoing challenges in balancing national security with open, independent journalism in the current administration.