(Here we go) Pentagon demands journalists pledge to not obtain unauthorized material [View all]

The Trump administration unveiled a new crackdown Friday on journalists at the Pentagon, saying it will require them to pledge they won’t gather any information — even unclassified — that hasn’t been expressly authorized for release, and will revoke the press credentials of those who do not obey.

Under the policy, the Pentagon may revoke press passes for anyone it deems a security threat. Possessing confidential or unauthorized information, under the new rules, would be grounds for a journalist’s press pass to be revoked.


“DoW remains committed to transparency to promote accountability and public trust,” the document says, using an acronym for the newly rebranded Department of War. “However, DoW information must be approved for public release by an appropriate authorizing official before it is released, even if it is unclassified.”

Those who refuse to sign the new policy will be stripped of or denied permanent credentials to cover the Pentagon.


https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/09/19/pentagon-hegseth-press-unauthorized-material/" target="_blank"> Archived Washington Post