The Department of Defense will now require journalists covering the Pentagon to sign a pledge agreeing not to use unauthorized information in their reporting, even if that information is unclassified, according to a report published Friday by The Washington Post.
The 17-page document, obtained by the Post, states that the newly renamed Department of War (DoW) — following an executive order by President Donald Trump, though a statutory name change would still require congressional approval — will restrict press access within the Pentagon. Journalists and their outlets must agree to limits on their movement inside the building and commit not to use or seek out unauthorized information.
Reporters who refuse to sign or who are deemed security risks will lose their press credentials, the document says. “DoW remains committed to transparency to promote accountability and public trust. However, DoW information must be approved for public release by an appropriate authorizing official before it is released, even if it is unclassified,” the policy states.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has taken an aggressive approach toward suspected leaks, at one point threatening Pentagon employees with polygraph tests. On Friday, he defended the changes on social media. “The press is no longer allowed to roam the halls of a secure facility,” Hegseth tweeted. “Wear a badge and follow the rules – or go home.”
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell described the changes as a safeguard. “These are basic, common-sense guidelines to protect sensitive information as well as the protection of national security and the safety of all who work at the Pentagon,” he said.
The Post also reported that Hegseth has already removed several traditional outlets, including The New York Times, from Pentagon offices, while bringing in newer organizations such as Newsmax and Breitbart.
