Pentagon Requires Pledge from Journalists
Applies Even to Non-Classified Information
The second Trump administration in the United States has decided to require Pentagon correspondents to sign a pledge stating that they will only report on information that has received prior official approval for coverage.
On the 19th (local time), major U.S. media outlets reported that the Trump administration had announced new reporting guidelines containing these requirements and would revoke the press credentials of Pentagon correspondents who refuse to sign the pledge. The guidelines span a total of 17 pages and include provisions allowing the Pentagon to arbitrarily revoke the credentials of any journalist it deems a "security threat." The new reporting rules will take effect as early as next week.
Not only classified information but also unclassified information cannot be reported unless an "authorized official" gives explicit prior approval for coverage. Attempting to gather such information without approval is also grounds for credential revocation. Pentagon correspondents will have restricted access to certain areas within the building. In addition, they will be required to sign a pledge stating that they will not attempt to obtain information that has not received prior approval for coverage.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated on X (formerly Twitter), "Reporters will no longer be allowed to roam around secure facilities," adding, "Either wear your badge and follow the rules, or go home."
Katie Fallow, Deputy Director of Litigation at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, told The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), "This is part of the Trump administration's broad assault on freedom of expression and press freedom," and criticized, "A reporter who only publishes what the government 'approves' is not reporting, but doing something else entirely."
The National Press Club (NPC), a journalists' organization, stated in a release, "If news about our military must first receive government approval, the public will be deprived of independent reporting," adding, "This is an issue that should concern every American."
Since the start of the Trump administration's second term and Secretary Hegseth's inauguration in late January, the Pentagon has implemented measures for several months to restrict direct contact between military officials and journalists. The WSJ reported that in February, the month after Hegseth took office, the Secretary eliminated the established press rooms for major media outlets at the Pentagon and instead provided office space for "right-wing alternative media" and the progressive online newspaper HuffPost.
Additionally, the Pentagon press room previously displayed a framed set of photos featuring 30 journalists from major news organizations under the title "Pentagon Correspondents." However, as of the 19th, when the new reporting guidelines were announced, all the frames had been removed, according to foreign media. In their place, a single sheet of paper reading "Currently being updated" was posted.
Meanwhile, on the 18th, President Trump stated, "The media only pours out negative coverage about me," adding, "Yet they still hold broadcasting licenses. Perhaps those licenses should be revoked."
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