The Pentagon has introduced sweeping restrictions on journalists covering the U.S. military, requiring them to sign affidavits pledging not to publish any information not formally authorized for release and limiting their movements within the Department of War headquarters.
According to a memo distributed to reporters on Friday, the new rules apply to both classified and “controlled unclassified information,” effectively barring the use of material from unnamed officials. Journalists who fail to comply risk losing their media credentials.
The memo, issued under the administration of President Donald Trump, stressed that while the Pentagon “remains committed to transparency to promote accountability and public trust,” all information must be cleared by an “appropriate authorizing official” before publication.
In addition to content restrictions, the guidelines impose tighter physical access, prohibiting reporters from moving freely within the Pentagon without escorts. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the policy in a post on X, saying: “The ‘press’ does not run the Pentagon — the people do. The press is no longer allowed to roam the halls of a secure facility. Wear a badge and follow the rules – or go home.”
The measures have sparked concerns about press freedom, coming months after Hegseth was criticized for inadvertently disclosing operational details of U.S. air strikes in Yemen in a group chat that included a journalist.
