Washington Post, NYT and More Reject Trump’s Revised Pentagon Press Policy, Citing First Amendment Rights

[BackAgain]

I missed the part where the press gets a vote on the Pentagon's policy.

Me too.

 

[BackAgain]

Not sure what brought this on with the Pentagon. But, as long as there isn't any shenanigans being
played by the media, they should have their right in reporting and investigating, even if it's
uncomfortable for the Pentagon.

They remain free to report. They can use a general feed. They have always been able to rely on alleged “sources.” So, I am not seeing the problem.

 

[Couchpotato]

So what's the policy?

If you don’t know what the policy is how can you be against it?

Caveat: I have not read the entire policy just seen the cliff notes version.

That said it essentially the meat and potatoes is the news orgs cant access/use unauthorized files they come in contact with and that they will have to be escorted to access some areas of the Pentagon. The devil is in the details of how that policy is enforced/implemented but frankly I was surprised that wasn’t already the policy.

 

[berg80]

If you don’t know what the policy is how can you be against it?

If you don't know what the policy is how can you be for it?

AI Overview

Following the rollout of a new policy by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a wide range of news organizations have rejected the Pentagon's new press access rules and face the loss of their credentials. The policy, introduced in late September 2025, requires journalists to acknowledge strict new restrictions on newsgathering that critics say undermine the First Amendment.

Key changes in the new policy

The Pentagon's new rules represent a major shift from previous standards, according to press associations and journalists. The key changes include:

• A broad ban on soliciting information: Credentialed reporters are prohibited from "soliciting" or seeking information—even if it is unclassified—that has not been explicitly authorized for release. The policy states that such activity could be considered when assessing a reporter's "security or safety risk".
• Forced acknowledgment of rules: Journalists must sign a 21-page document affirming their understanding of the new policy as a precondition for keeping their press passes.
• Limited access: The new policy formalizes earlier restrictions, such as limiting journalists' movements within the building to a few approved areas without an escort. The Pentagon also intends to move news organizations from their dedicated workspaces.
• Reduced communication: The department has drastically decreased the number of press briefings throughout the year, with Hegseth and his press secretary largely ceasing to hold them.

 

[Couchpotato]

If you don't know what the policy is how can you be for it?

Did you read the entire post?

 

[Couchpotato]

They remain free to report. They can use a general feed. They have always been able to rely on alleged “sources.” So, I am not seeing the problem.

The problem is who’s implementing it.

 

[Mac1958]

When it's a bridge too far for Faux it tells you how outrageous the policy is.

This group will keep pushing, everywhere it can. It wants zero accountability. Its SC gave its cult leader immunity, and now they'll push for the rest of his crew in any way they can.

There's no system of government that can protect its people from those who have figured a way around it.

 

[C_Clayton_Jones]

I missed the part where the press gets a vote on the Pentagon's policy.

Trump is a fascist thug and an enemy of freedom of the press.

 

[Frankeneinstein]

News outlets refuse to sign Pentagon’s new press policy as deadline looms​

Most of the nation’s leading news organizations have said they will not sign a policy severely restricting journalists’ access to the Pentagon ahead of a Tuesday deadline set by the Trump administration.

Outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, The Associated Press, The Hill and NewsNation will not sign the policy, which limits access for reporters who are credentialed to work in the massive Arlington, Va., building.

The Pentagon Press Association (PPA) said in a forceful statement last week Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his department are trying to “stifle a free press” with the new policy, which it said, “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.”

Only one media outlet, pro-Trump conservative network One America News, has said it will sign the Pentagon’s new policy. Conservative cable channel Newsmax has said it will not sign, calling the restrictions “unnecessary.”

https://thehill.com/homenews/media/5554402-pentagon-press-access-outlets-reject-policy/

Should OAN even be referred to as a news outlet?

Is this more embarrassing for the unqualified, former weekend anchor on Faux or was it his comical performance in front of the military brass? It's a tossup.

TRANSLATION: "The non-news is now the news....i.e. The media has been reduced to reporting on itself."

 

[Rawley]

Trump is a fascist thug and an enemy of freedom of the press.

And he's Hitler, that loves the Jews.

 

[theHawk]

They don't simp. There are lots of SCIFs in the Pentagon. The media does not go in those SCIFs.

And why the **** do you care? The dumb **** Hegseth shares war plans on ******* Signal. Nothing is secret with that dipshit.

Media and any other civilian are not allowed on any military base without escort. SCIFs have nothing to do with that. Operational security is for all assets.

 

[hadit]

MAGA is losing on all fronts on every issue.

Says no one.

 

[C_Clayton_Jones]

And he's Hitler, that loves the Jews.

And as usual the reprehensible right attempts to defend the indefensible.

 

[Rawley]

And as usual the reprehensible right attempts to defend the indefensible.

Helping Jews is indefensible? Thanks for your honesty

 

[Blisterfinger]

Come on, kid. It's all over the news.

Everyone here knows I don't play "prove water is wet" with you guys.

Everyone here knows that you are an idiot

 

[BackAgain]

The problem is who’s implementing it.

Not sure what you mean?

 

[WEATHER53]

No news will be fine news because it’s never anything but editorial anyway

 

[BackAgain]

The Pentagon is under no obligation to share any info — with reporters or news media outlets — which it deems detrimental to the military’s various missions or objectives and certainly nothing which might endanger any troops or American interests.

I’m not sure I understand, though, any restriction they might seek to place on a reporter’s efforts to “solicit” information. I mean, that is kind of the whole job of a “reporter.”

 

[kyzr]

Trump is a fascist thug and an enemy of freedom of the press.

Trump is a patriot, and the "free press" has become a tool for traitors.

 

[kyzr]

The Pentagon is under no obligation to share any info — with reporters or news media outlets — which it deems detrimental to the military’s various missions or objectives and certainly nothing which might endanger any troops or American interests.
I’m not sure I understand, though, any restriction they might seek to place on a reporter’s efforts to “solicit” information. I mean, that is kind of the whole job of a “reporter.”

I remember when Navy seals landed and the press was there shining lights and cameras on them.
I think that's what Pete wants to stop.