On October 15, the Pentagon introduced new restrictions for journalists, forcing them to either sign new accreditation rules or leave the building. The new policy means strict regulations for accessing the US Department of Defense, complicating work for media outlets including The New York Times, NBC, and Politico, who lost their offices at the Pentagon.
The rules require journalists to acknowledge access to the Department of Defense as a privilege, not a right, and prohibit seeking information without authorization. Violating these rules may lead to loss of accreditation. Press briefings have been dramatically reduced, and physical access to sources is restricted. Pentagon officials say the changes are needed to prevent data leaks and protect national security, stressing that this is not censorship but access limitation.
The changes have drawn criticism from the US press corps. More than 40 media outlets, including CNN and Fox News, and the Pentagon Press Association refused to sign, arguing the rules violate the First Amendment. Journalists say the policy criminalizes routine professional activity and reduces transparency over US defense spending.
So far, only One America News has agreed to the new conditions, while other media threaten legal action. For the United States, this means less transparency about defense expenditures, and for journalism, “dark times.” Experts suggest the new rules may be a response to earlier information leaks and reflect the Trump administration’s broader approach to the media. Journalists expect further resistance to protect press freedom and preserve the role of free media in democratic oversight of government.
