US Reporters Resign Pentagon After Secretary Imposes Strict Media Rules

Dozens of journalists surrendered their access badges and left the Pentagon on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, refusing to comply with new rules established by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that prohibit pursuing information not pre-approved for release. The policies expose reporters to expulsion for seeking details on military affairs, whether classified or unclassified, marking a significant separation of the press from direct oversight of U.S. defense operations.

Approximately 40 to 50 correspondents exited together at the 4 p.m. deadline, removing personal belongings including documents, furniture, copying machines, books, and photographs from their workspaces. This action involved major outlets across ideologies, such as The Associated Press, The New York Times, Fox News, and Newsmax, with the Pentagon Press Association denouncing the measures as violations of press freedoms.

Hegseth has implemented additional constraints since taking office, including limiting formal briefings to two, requiring escorts in building areas, and probing leaks aggressively. He portrays the rules as necessary regulations for a disruptive media environment and insists that signing them constitutes acknowledgment rather than endorsement. President Donald Trump supported the initiative in a Tuesday White House statement, describing the press as detrimental to international peace and unreliable, consistent with his ongoing legal challenges against outlets like CBS News, ABC News, The Wall Street Journal, and The Associated Press. Retired Army General Jack Keane critiqued the policy on Fox News, arguing it transforms reporting into acceptance of official narratives and disregards the media's accountability function in democracy.

Also Read: Journalists Attacked in Trimbakeshwar Ahead of Kumbh Mela Coverage

Reporters emphasized the rules' impact on core journalistic practices, particularly the ban on soliciting information from officials. Nancy Youssef of The Atlantic, based at the Pentagon since 2007, highlighted colleagues' unity while departing with a Middle East map, stating that forgoing information pursuit negates journalism's purpose. Heather Mongilio of USNI News expressed similar sentiments regarding her recognition on the correspondents wall, affirming ongoing coverage. NPR's Tom Bowman outlined in an essay how historical insider disclosures have ensured public insight beyond official statements, predicting reliance on controlled social media and partisan engagements instead.

Only One America News Network agreed to the terms, anticipating enhanced access, as noted by former reporter Gabrielle Cuccia, who was terminated for prior criticism. The policies also penalize military personnel for unsanctioned interactions, reducing overall transparency. News organizations committed to sustained reporting via remote methods like document requests and external sources, despite potential source reluctance. This episode underscores broader concerns about diminished scrutiny of the $850 billion defense budget and evolves from Hegseth's other actions, such as proposing to rename the Department of Defense, highlighting tensions in press-government relations under the administration.

Also Read: Khawaja Asif Alleges Afghan Taliban Fighting India’s Proxy War Against Pakistan