The Department of War (DoW) made changes to its press policy, sparking concerns from members of the media. Under new guidance, all members of the Pentagon press corps must pledge not to report any information that has not been cleared by the DoW. This includes unclassified materials.
What is in the guidance?
Straight Arrow News reviewed the documents first obtained by The New York Times. On page three of the document to be signed by working members of the media, the DoW writes, “DoW information must be approved for public release by an appropriate authorizing official before it is released, even if it is unclassified.” Those who don’t oblige risk losing their press credentials.
According to the document, the department says it must safeguard classified national security information.
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Reaction to the request
The National Press Club of America released a statement.
“For generations, Pentagon reporters have provided the public with vital information about how wars are fought, how defense dollars are spent, and how decisions are made that put American lives at risk. That work has only been possible because reporters could seek out facts without needing government permission.
If the news about our military must first be approved by the government, then the public is no longer getting independent reporting. It is getting only what officials want them to see. That should alarm every American.”
The statement continues, asking the DoW to rescind the request immediately.
Other recent Pentagon changes
Back in May, the DoW changed the rules regarding access to certain parts of the Pentagon. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reiterated those rules on X, “The ‘press’ does not run the Pentagon — the people do. The press is no longer allowed to roam the halls of a secure facility. Wear a badge and follow the rules — or go home.”
Around the same time, Sean Parnell, the assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs and chief Pentagon spokesperson, said in a statement that the press will still have access to “the entire defense press office, the press secretary and my office, as well as much of the rest of the building.”
