Major News Outlets Reject Pentagon's New Press Restrictions
Leading news organizations, including The New York Times and Newsmax, refuse to sign the Pentagon's new press policy, citing First Amendment concerns.
Several prominent news organizations have declined to sign the Pentagon's new press policy, which imposes restrictions on journalists covering the Department of Defense. The policy requires reporters to pledge not to gather information that has not been authorized for release by the Defense Department.
The New York Times, The Associated Press, and Newsmax are among the outlets refusing to sign the document. Newsmax stated, "We believe the requirements are unnecessary and onerous and hope that the Pentagon will review the matter further."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has indicated that reporters who do not acknowledge the policy in writing by Tuesday must turn in their press passes and vacate their workspaces the following day.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell described the rules as establishing "common sense media procedures." He added, "The policy does not ask for them to agree, just to acknowledge that they understand what our policy is."
The Pentagon Press Association expressed concern, stating that the new policy "gags Pentagon employees and threatens retaliation against reporters who seek out information that has not been pre-approved for release."
The only publication that has agreed to sign the document is One America News Network (OANN). OANN president Charles Herring stated, "After thorough review of the revised press policy by our attorney, OAN staff has signed the document."
News organizations have indicated they will continue to cover the U.S. military, even without access to the Pentagon facilities. The situation may lead to legal challenges in the near future.
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