In a significant development, the Department of War's revised press access policy has led to a mass exodus of journalists from the Pentagon.
The new policy, which required reporters to sign an acknowledgment of access and information-gathering rules, was met with widespread resistance. As a result, journalists from nearly every major media organization in the United States have surrendered their badges and vacated their workspaces.
As reported by Breitbart, the Pentagon was a scene of departure on Wednesday as the Department of War implemented its new press policy. The department had set a Tuesday deadline for the signing or return of credentials. Those who chose not to comply were obliged to leave their offices the following day.
In a statement, the Pentagon Press Association expressed its concern, "Today, the Defense Department confiscated the badges of the Pentagon reporters from virtually every major media organization in America. It did this because reporters would not sign onto a new media policy over its implicit threat of criminalizing national security reporting and exposing those who sign it to potential prosecution."
In defense of the policy, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated, "The policy does not ask for them to agree, just to acknowledge that they understand what our policy is. This has caused reporters to have a full blown meltdown, crying victim online. We stand by our policy because its whats best for our troops and the national security of this country."
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth weighed in on the issue, expressing his disappointment with the press corps' reaction. He said, "You would think that the Pentagon press corps, of all press corps, would be front and center across the board on wanting to give credit to the President for forging this kind of peace, and instead, what they want to talk about is a policy about them."
Hegseth further suggested that the policy should resemble those of the White House or other military installations, where press identification badges are mandatory. He added, "If they sign on to the credentialing, theyre not going to try to get soldiers to break the law by giving them classified information. So its common sense stuff. Mr. President, were trying to make sure national security is respected, and were proud of the policy."
Meanwhile, Steven Cheung, White House Director of Communications, revealed on X that some reporters felt coerced into participating in the walkout. He stated, "a few reporters on this wall have privately said they were bullied into participating in the walkout when they actually wanted to stay. They were physically confronted and threatened with retaliation if they didnt join the protest."
This development comes in the wake of several news organizations, including CNN and NPR, announcing their refusal to sign the revised access form. Many expressed concerns that the new rules could potentially stifle reporting or blur the line between national security and public accountability.
The policy, which was finalized in September, necessitates that credentialed journalists sign an "in-brief" form acknowledging information security procedures, escort requirements, and movement limitations within the Pentagon. While the Department of War insists that the rules do not restrict reporting activities or necessitate preapproval of coverage, journalists argue that the language could potentially expose them to retaliation or prosecution for pursuing unauthorized information.
Login