The association representing journalists who cover the U.S. Department of Defense on Wednesday condemned a new press access policy that could see reporters lose their access as early as next week, a development that would constrain the media’s ability to cover the world’s most powerful military.
The Pentagon Press Association’s statement followed negotiations between the department and media outlets that resulted in the Pentagon revising some of its initial demands.
“The policy conveys an unprecedented message of intimidation to everyone within the DoD, warning against any unapproved interactions with the press and even suggesting it’s criminal to speak without express permission — which plainly, it is not,” the Pentagon Press Association wrote.
Reuters is a member of the association, which includes the New York Times, ABC News, Fox News and other outlets.
“Consistent with our commitment to supply reliable, impartial and independent news, we are continuing to review our options,” a Reuters spokesperson said.
A New York Times spokesperson said it also takes issue with the language.
“The Times appreciates the Pentagon’s engagement, but problems remain with the policy and we and other news organizations believe further changes are needed.”
ABC and Fox News did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The changes to the policy are the latest expansion of restrictions on press access to the Pentagon under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host.
In the original version of its new press access policy, the department asked journalists to put their initials next to several policies, including one stating that journalists could lose their credentials if they publish unclassified information that was not approved for release. Media advocates said the restrictions could stifle independent reporting.
The revised rules no longer require reporters to sign off individually on such policies but still ask them to affirm that they “understand” them. The association argues that puts unlawful restrictions on news gathering and, potentially, exposes journalists to prosecution and limits the public’s access to independent reporting on military affairs.
The Pentagon has also outlined plans to move all news organizations out of their current workspaces, which the press association said will further isolate reporters, making it harder for them to interact “even with the spokespeople inside the Pentagon who are entrusted to approve information for public release.”
The Pentagon memo says department information shared by a military member or department employee must be approved for public release by an “appropriate authorizing official”, even if it is unclassified.
Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, said in a social media post that the department had engaged in “good faith negotiations” with the association, adding that Congress had made clear that unauthorized release of sensitive information by service members is a crime.
