Pentagon imposes gag order on journalists, threatens press freedom

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
20 Sep 2025 08:49

Critics warn the Pentagon’s new access rules undermine transparency, letting officials decide what reporters can publish amid chilling scrutiny of military power.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during the POW/MIA National Recognition Day Ceremony at the Pentagon, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Washington (AP)

The Pentagon announced Friday that journalists covering the department will only be allowed inside the building if they agree not to publish certain types of information, a sweeping new policy that would give the Defense Department significant control over what reporters can release.

In an email sent late Friday, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the new rules will require journalists to sign a statement pledging not to publish classified material, as well as some unclassified documents that are not officially cleared for release. The policy is set to take effect within two to three weeks.

“[Defense Department] information must be approved for public release by an appropriate authorizing official before it is released, even if it is unclassified,” the note read. “Failure to abide by these rules may result in suspension or revocation of your building pass and loss of access.”

Pentagon officials defended the measure, arguing that unauthorized disclosures could endanger US national security and put Defense Department personnel at risk.

Decline of free speech in US

The move marks the latest in a series of restrictions on press access under the Trump administration, granting the Pentagon wide discretion to revoke credentials and classify reporters as security risks if they publish material the agency deems unsuitable for release. It also comes as the department faces backlash for disciplining troops and staff accused of mocking Charlie Kirk’s killing on social media, fueling a broader national debate over limits on free speech.

“The ‘press’ does not run the Pentagon, the people do,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared in a Friday night post on X. “The press is no longer allowed to roam the halls of a secure facility. Wear a badge and follow the rules, or go home.”

The “press” does not run the Pentagon — the people do. The press is no longer allowed to roam the halls of a secure facility. Wear a badge and follow the rules — or go home. pic.twitter.com/nkG1m6bW3z
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) September 19, 2025

Pentagon Press Association reviewing directive

The Pentagon Press Association, which represents reporters covering the Defense Department, said members were still reviewing the directive.

Historically, journalists have had access to unclassified areas of the Pentagon, including the offices of the defense secretary, the Joint Staff, and the six armed services, to report on US military affairs.

But that access has steadily narrowed. In January, the department stripped workspaces from several major outlets, including POLITICO, The Washington Post, and The New York Times, while granting space to more conservative publications. After media organizations protested, desks were also taken away from NBC News and CNN.

Restrictions tightened again in May after Hegseth was criticized for leaking sensitive information about US military strikes in Yemen on a private Signal group that mistakenly included a journalist. Following that incident, reporters were confined to press bullpens, the cafeteria, and the courtyard and were required to have escorts to move elsewhere in the building.

The latest directive represents the most severe curtailment yet of media access to the Pentagon, raising fresh concerns among journalists and press freedom advocates about transparency at the nation’s largest federal agency.