By Aldgra Fredly
Contributing Writer
The Pentagon issued a memo last week tightening press access to its building and requiring reporters to sign a document pledging not to disclose unauthorized information in the interest of national security.
The memo states that press members covering the Department of War are required to sign a new form committing to information security requirements and physical control measures.
“Information must be approved for public release by an appropriate authorizing official before it is released, even if it is unclassified,” the memo states.
The memo implements the directive issued by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in May, which prohibited reporter access to certain areas of the Pentagon’s building without securing approval and an escort.
“The ‘press’ does not run the Pentagon — the people do. The press is no longer allowed to roam the halls of a secure facility. Wear a badge and follow the rules — or go home,” Hegseth stated on X.
Under the new guidelines, only authorized persons who have received “favorable determinations of eligibility for access, signed approved non-disclosure agreements, and have a need-to-know” will be granted access to classified national security information.
The memo stated that disclosure of controlled unclassified information would be permitted in the presence of “a lawful government purpose.”
The Pentagon said that such measures are necessary to protect classified national security information and controlled unclassified information, as any unauthorized disclosures may threaten national security and put the department’s personnel in jeopardy.
Press credentials could be revoked for those deemed a security risk to the department’s property or personnel. Such determinations may be based on unauthorized access, attempted access, or unauthorized disclosure of national security information, according to the memo.
Media organizations expressed opposition to the new guidelines.
Mike Balsamo, president of the National Press Club, labeled the move a “direct assault on independent journalism.”
“If the news about our military must first be approved by the government, then the public is no longer getting independent reporting,” Balsamo said in a statement. “It is getting only what officials want them to see. That should alarm every American.”
The Society of Professional Journalists said it was “deeply alarmed” by the Pentagon’s restrictions, while accusing the department of trying to suppress the media under the pretext of national security.
“This policy reeks of prior restraint — the most egregious violation of press freedom under the First Amendment — and is a dangerous step toward government censorship,” it stated. “SPJ demands that the Department of War rescind these measures immediately.”
In an emailed statement, chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the media access guidelines would reaffirm “the standards that are already in line with every other military base in the country.”
“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,” Parnell said on Monday.
Naveen Athrappully contributed to this report.
