Over 20 major news organizations, including Reuters, the Associated Press, The New York Times, and CNN, have refused to sign a new Pentagon press access policy by the Tuesday deadline, citing threats to press freedom.
The policy requires journalists to acknowledge rules that could label them security risks and revoke their Pentagon press badges for seeking classified or certain unclassified information. Non-compliance means losing credentials and workspace access by Wednesday.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell defended the policy, stating it only requires acknowledgment, not agreement, and is necessary for national security.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, backed by President Donald Trump, called the rules "common sense" to protect national security. Trump suggested the press disrupts world peace and national security.
A lawyer familiar with Pentagon negotiations noted the rules could aid prosecutions under the Espionage Act by flagging reporters who solicit sensitive information. The policy, revised after backlash, acknowledges First Amendment protections but insists press rights are not absolute when national security is at stake.
One America News, a conservative outlet, signed the policy after legal review. The Pentagon, under Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has tightened press restrictions, with Trump pushing to rename the Department of Defense the Department of War, pending congressional approval. Hegseth dismissed critics on X with a hand-waving emoji.
The Pentagon Press Association urged reconsideration but did not advise reporters on signing.