Pentagon Imposes Sweeping New Media Restrictions, Requiring Approval for Unclassified Information

The United States Pentagon has significantly escalated its restrictions on media access and reporting, now requiring journalists to obtain official approval before publishing any information, including unclassified material. A 17-page memo distributed on Friday, September 19, 2025, outlines these new policies, which stipulate that reporters must sign a pledge agreeing to the terms or face the revocation of their press credentials.

New Reporting and Access Rules

Under the new directive, credentialed journalists covering the Department of Defense, recently rebranded as the Department of War (DoW) by the Trump administration, must commit to not gathering or reporting any information that has not been explicitly authorized for release. This applies even to information that is unclassified.

Key aspects of the new restrictions include:

• Pre-approval for Publication: 'DoW information must be approved for public release by an appropriate authorizing official before it is released, even if it is unclassified.'
• Pledge Requirement: Journalists must sign a document agreeing to these terms. Refusal to sign will result in the loss of Pentagon press passes.
• Restricted Movement: Reporters' movements within the Pentagon building are now severely limited. They will require official escorts in many areas and are confined to specific zones such as press pens, the food court, and the courtyard. This marks a significant departure from previous administrations where journalists had more freedom of movement.
• Consequences for Non-Compliance: Reporting on unauthorized information or failing to adhere to movement restrictions could lead to journalists being deemed a 'security or safety risk' and having their credentials stripped.

Official Rationale and Context

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News Channel personality, has been the architect of these escalating restrictions. In a post on X, Hegseth stated, '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 Pentagon's memo asserts its commitment 'to transparency to promote accountability and public trust' but emphasizes the necessity to protect 'classified national security information' and prevent 'unauthorized disclosures.' These latest measures follow earlier restrictions announced in May 2025, which limited reporters' movements and required escorts. The tightening of media access comes after Hegseth faced criticism for inadvertently sharing sensitive information about U.S. strikes in Yemen in a Signal group chat that included a journalist.

Widespread Condemnation from Press Freedom Advocates

The new policies have drawn immediate and strong condemnation from media organizations and press freedom advocates. Critics argue that these restrictions constitute a 'direct assault on independent journalism' and a form of 'prior restraint,' which is considered a serious violation of First Amendment rights.

Statements from various groups include:

• National Press Club President Mike Balsamo: 'If the news about our military must first be approved by the government, then the public is no longer getting independent reporting. It is getting only what officials want them to see. That should alarm every American.'
• Kevin Baron, former Vice President of the Pentagon Press Association: Characterized the move as '100% an intimidation tactic' and 'an attempt to kill transparency and funnel all public information through the government.'
• Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ): Condemned the policy as 'unconstitutional' and a 'dangerous step toward government censorship,' urging the Department of War to rescind the measures immediately.

Legal experts anticipate challenges to the policy on First Amendment grounds, highlighting concerns that the rules could drastically restrict the flow of information about the U.S. military to the public and undermine democratic oversight.