Pentagon Requires Journalists' Pledge to Restrict Information Access

The Trump administration has imposed sweeping new restrictions on journalists covering the Pentagon, mandating that reporters pledge not to obtain or publish any information, including unclassified material, without explicit government authorization. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced these rules, which revoke press credentials from non-compliant journalists and limit their access to Pentagon spaces, requiring escorts and specific reasons for visits. This unprecedented move marks a significant escalation in controlling media access, with conservative outlets replacing mainstream ones that lost their special offices. Officials justified the crackdown by citing the risk unauthorized disclosures pose to national security and Pentagon personnel. The Pentagon Press Association is currently reviewing the directive amid concerns about free speech and press freedom. These developments follow prior restrictions and controversies under the Trump administration that have increasingly limited journalistic access to the Department of Defense.