Pete Hegseth’s attempt to force Pentagon reporters to sign an agreement limiting them to publishing only “explicitly authorized” information has been met with widespread rejection from major news organisations. The new policy, introduced by the US defence chief, would require journalists to obtain official approval before publishing any information, a move critics say would turn reporters into state functionaries.
News outlets including the Guardian, Associated Press, New York Times, Reuters, Politico, Washington Post, the Atlantic, and even right-leaning Newsmax and the Washington Times have refused to comply. Only One America News, described as a propaganda outlet, has agreed to sign. Major TV networks, including Fox News – Hegseth’s former employer – issued a joint statement on Tuesday calling the policy “without precedent” and warning it “threatens core journalistic protections”.
The policy is the latest escalation in restrictions on Pentagon press access. In May, Hegseth banned journalists from most of the Pentagon unless they had an official escort, ending informal interactions that had previously allowed reporters to gather nuanced information. Under the new rules, reporters could be designated a security risk for merely asking Pentagon employees for sensitive information.
Dan Perry, former chairman of the Foreign Press Association in Jerusalem and former Europe/Africa editor of the Associated Press, described the policy as a “war on truth” that undermines the public’s right to know. He announced he would hand in his Pentagon press pass, arguing that signing would transform journalists “from watchdogs into state functionaries”.
Despite losing official access, reporters can continue to cover the military through leaks, freedom of information requests, and other legal methods. As Perry noted, “Coverage of the military can be pursued through leaks, freedom of information petitions, and other collaborative means harnessing the legal system’s protections.” Hegseth responded to the backlash with “bye-bye” hand-wave emojis on social media.
