The Pentagon is set to implement stricter regulations for journalists, with a significant warning that access to the facility could be revoked if reporters disclose unauthorized information. These new rules, which also aim to regulate journalist movement within the building, come in response to a series of recent leaks.
Pete Hegseth, recently appointed as Secretary of War, stated on social media that the press would no longer have free reign within the secure facility. He emphasized that journalists must adhere to established protocols by wearing badges and following rules, or face being denied entry.
The updated guidelines are detailed in a briefing note that journalists are required to sign to retain their Pentagon press credentials. The Department of War (DoW) has stated its commitment to transparency but clarified that all information, even if unclassified, must be officially approved before public release.
Signatories will need to acknowledge that decisions regarding press credentials may be influenced by unauthorized access or disclosure of classified national security information. Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell highlighted that these guidelines align with those at other military bases, aiming to protect sensitive information, national security, and personnel safety.
This development follows scrutiny of Hegseth’s own handling of sensitive information and recent incidents where leaked intelligence reports reportedly contradicted official statements regarding US strikes on Iran’s nuclear program.
