The Washington Post, The New York Times, Newsmax and other news organizations have refused to sign a new set of Pentagon rules limiting journalists’ access to classified information, citing concerns about freedom of press protections.
According to Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief of The Atlantic, the requirements violate First Amendment rights. He said that the proposed restrictions could expose reporters to punishment for engaging in routine reporting.
The 21-page document outlines several provisions at odds with freedom of press protections, including a provision stating that journalists can be deemed a “security risk” if they disclose classified information without Pentagon approval. Lawyers representing news organizations are worried that this rule could lead to harm for reporters who engage in routine reporting.
In light of this resistance from major news outlets, it is clear that the US military’s restrictions on journalists will not go unchallenged.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/13/business/pentagon-restrictions-news-outlets.html