The Pentagon softened its draft media access rules on Monday after pushback from major outlets, clarifying that reporters won’t need department approval before publishing stories with information not officially released, The New York Times reports. The revised policy still lets the Defense Department revoke credentials for “security risks,” drawing continued objections from press freedom groups and giving newsrooms a week to decide whether to sign.
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Why it matters
The Times said the updated policy explicitly states that reporters “are not required to submit their writings” before publication, although it still allows the department to revoke credentials if journalists are deemed security risks.
Press freedom groups remain concerned. The Hill reported that the Society of Professional Journalists previously called the restrictions “a dangerous step toward government censorship” and an example of “prior restraint.”
What officials say
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the Sept. 18 restrictions in a Fox News interview on Sunday, saying, “The Pentagon press corps can squeal all they want, we’re taking these things seriously.” He added, “They can report; they just need to make sure they’re following rules.”
According to the Times, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a letter that the approval requirement applies to government employees, not reporters, and that the draft “does not infringe upon First Amendment protections.”
The Times says the draft notes journalists are generally protected when publishing unsolicited classified information or less sensitive material, though soliciting unlawful disclosures could still lead to a “security risk” finding.
How access has changed
Access at the building has tightened since January. The Times reported that newsrooms declined to sign earlier drafts, saying they threatened transparency. Some journalists, including longtime correspondent Nancy Youssef, told the Times that they intend to keep covering the Pentagon even if credentials are revoked.
News organizations have one week to decide whether to sign the revised access policy. Those who refuse could lose credentials, according to the Times.
