Dozens of journalists left the Pentagon on Wednesday after refusing to comply with new government restrictions on their reporting, distancing them from the heart of American military coverage. The U.S. government defended the rules as “common sense.”
Most news organizations rejected the regulations imposed by U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, which could lead to expulsion for journalists who report on unapproved information, whether classified or not.
Before the 4 p.m. ET deadline set by the Defence Department, reporters gathered their belongings, including documents, chairs, a copying machine, and personal items, to leave the premises together. Approximately 40 to 50 journalists exited simultaneously after handing in their access badges.
Nancy Youssef, a long-time Pentagon reporter for The Atlantic, expressed her pride in the press corps for standing united while packing up her belongings, including a map of the Middle East.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the impact of the new rules, news outlets affirmed their commitment to continue covering military affairs extensively.
President Donald Trump voiced his support for the new regulations during a White House briefing, emphasizing his belief that the press disrupts world peace and is dishonest.
Hegseth, a former Fox News Channel host, has been criticized for limiting information flow by reducing media briefings, restricting access within the Pentagon, and investigating leaks to the press.
Journalists condemned the rules that require them to abide by guidelines without actively seeking information from military officials, arguing that such restrictions hinder their journalistic duties.
Reporters, including Heather Mongilio from USNI News and Nancy Youssef from The Atlantic, vowed to persist in their reporting despite the challenges posed by the new rules.
The Pentagon Press Association, comprising 101 members from 56 news outlets, denounced the regulations, with various media organizations, ranging from The Associated Press to Fox News, instructing their journalists to leave rather than agree to the restrictions.
The conservative network One America News Network (OANN) was the only outlet to comply with the rules, likely aiming to gain increased access to Trump administration officials by supporting the measures.