The Pentagon Press Association, which represents beat reporters, has rejected new restrictive rules by the Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, that critics say gag employees and threaten retaliation against journalists who cover unapproved information. Many news organizations, including major outlets like CNN, Reuters, and The New York Times, have refused to sign the new paperwork about Pentagon access, citing concerns over government influence on journalism.
The association argues that the rules, which include demands for reporters to express an understanding of potential harm from unauthorized information disclosure, are “particularly problematic” because they imply that journalists are responsible for preventing leaks. Critics, including some partisan media outlets like Newsmax and The Atlantic, have also rejected the rules, calling them unnecessary and onerous.
The dispute has sparked fears over the erosion of free press freedoms and independent coverage of the US military. Representatives from major news organizations have stated their commitment to producing “trustworthy, independent journalism” despite losing physical access to the Pentagon complex. Analysts believe that the new rules are aimed at impeding scrutiny of the Trump administration, and some outlets are considering legal action.
The Pentagon Press Association has condemned Hegseth’s efforts as an attempt to limit press freedom and undermine the First Amendment. The association argues that longstanding press access rules posed no national security threat and that the new rules will have a chilling effect on journalism.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/10/13/media/pentagon-hegseth-press-restrictions-newsmax-atlantic