Several major news organizations, including The New York Times, The Associated Press, and the conservative Newsmax television network, announced on Monday their refusal to sign a U.S. Defence Department document detailing new press regulations. This decision could result in the Trump administration removing their reporters from the Pentagon premises.
The media outlets argue that the policy poses a threat to their freedom to gather news, which is protected under the First Amendment. Joining them in opposition, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and Reuters have also declared their stance against signing the document.
In a statement, Reuters emphasized its commitment to delivering accurate, impartial, and independent news while upholding the press freedoms enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. The agency criticized the Pentagon’s new restrictions, stating that they undermine these core values.
In response to the organizations’ defiance, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth shared The New York Times’ statement on a social media platform, accompanied by a hand-waving emoji. According to Hegseth’s team, reporters failing to acknowledge the policy in writing by the specified deadline will be required to surrender their Pentagon access badges and vacate their workspaces the following day.
Under the new rules, journalists are prohibited from accessing certain areas of the Pentagon without an escort. Additionally, the regulations grant Hegseth the authority to revoke press credentials from reporters who seek information from any Defense Department personnel that has not been approved for release, whether classified or not.
Newsmax, known for its pro-Trump stance, expressed its reservations about the stringent requirements, urging the Pentagon to reconsider the matter.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell defended the regulations as establishing sensible media protocols. He clarified that the policy merely requires reporters to acknowledge their understanding of the guidelines, dismissing claims that it infringes on press freedom.
Journalists have pushed back against what they deem as false accusations, refuting claims that reporting unauthorized information jeopardizes national security. The Pentagon Press Association criticized the requirement for reporters to affirm their comprehension of potentially unconstitutional policies before being allowed access to Pentagon facilities.
Highlighting the public’s right to be informed about government and military operations, Times Washington bureau chief Richard Stevenson emphasized the importance of transparency, particularly considering the significant annual taxpayer funding allocated to the U.S. military.
The Trump administration’s efforts to exert pressure on news outlets have included legal actions against various media organizations. Trump has settled lawsuits with ABC News and CBS News, while also pursuing legal challenges against The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Furthermore, he has taken steps to curtail funding for government-operated services like the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.