Reporters Exit Pentagon After Rejecting New Policy
Reporters from major news outlets departed the Pentagon on October 15, 2025, after rejecting new press restrictions imposed by the Trump administration. This decision came after journalists, some with decades of experience covering the Defense Department, returned their press badges and removed their belongings from the premises.
Rejection of New Press Policy
The new policy, which sought to restrict journalists from obtaining information without prior approval from Pentagon officials, faced widespread condemnation. The deadline to decide on this agreement was set for Tuesday evening before the reporters’ exit.
Defense Secretary’s Defense of the Policy
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth justified the policy by stating it aligns with regulations applicable to U.S. military installations. However, his claim that reporters previously had unrestricted access to the Pentagon has been labeled misleading.
Media Outlets’ Responses
- Only One America News Network agreed to the new policy.
- Major networks, including Fox News, PBS, the Associated Press, and The Wall Street Journal, refused to comply.
Impact on Pentagon Reporting
The refusal to sign the policy means there will no longer be a permanent press corps at the Pentagon for briefings. Consequently, correspondents must report from remote locations instead.
Statement from the Pentagon Press Association
The Pentagon Press Association expressed deep concern regarding the new policy’s implications for press freedom. They emphasized the danger of criminalizing national security reporting and the potential prosecution of journalists who sign the agreement.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to military reporting, characterizing October 15, 2025, as a significant setback for press freedom. They highlighted the potential erosion of transparency and public accountability at the Pentagon.
