Dozens of journalists left the Pentagon on Wednesday after refusing to comply with new government restrictions on their reporting, distancing themselves from the heart of the American military. The U.S. government defended the regulations as “common sense.”
The majority of news organizations rejected the rules set by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which could result in journalists being expelled for covering information, whether classified or not, that had not been approved by Hegseth. As the 4 p.m. ET deadline approached, reporters gathered their belongings, including boxes of documents, chairs, a copying machine, books, and photos, before exiting the building en masse.
Nancy Youssef, a longtime Pentagon reporter for The Atlantic, expressed pride in the unity of the press corps in facing the situation. The practical implications of the new rules remain uncertain, but news outlets affirmed their commitment to continue reporting on military affairs from various perspectives.
President Donald Trump voiced support for the rules, believing that the press disrupts world peace and is dishonest. Hegseth, a former Fox News Channel host, has limited information flow by reducing media briefings, restricting reporters’ access, and probing leaks to the media.
Despite the challenges, journalists remain resolute in their commitment to reporting on military matters. Many journalists, including Heather Mongilio from USNI News and Nancy Youssef, emphasized their determination to continue their work, even in the face of obstacles created by Pentagon leadership.
The Pentagon Press Association, representing various news outlets, criticized the rules, with organizations like The Associated Press and Fox News rejecting them. Only One America News Network (OANN) agreed to the rules, likely aiming to secure better access to Trump administration officials.
