Trump Pushes Back on Pentagon’s Journalist Restrictions
President Donald Trump on Sunday publicly questioned new Pentagon restrictions significantly curtailing journalists’ access to information and movement within the Department of Defense. The comments came during a brief exchange with reporters as he departed the White House for a memorial service.
Challenging the Pentagon’s Authority
Responding to a question about the appropriateness of the Pentagon dictating what reporters can cover, Trump stated, “No, I don’t think so. Nothing stops reporters. You know that.” This statement directly contradicts a recent directive from the Department of War (DoW), as the Pentagon is now officially known, that places stringent limitations on journalistic access.
New Restrictions Spark Controversy
The DoW memo, issued earlier in the week, mandates that journalists must obtain prior authorization for the release of *any* information, even unclassified material, before reporting on it. Failure to comply risks the revocation of press credentials. The memo, using the newly adopted DoW abbreviation, explicitly states: “DoW information must be approved for public release by an appropriate authorizing official before it is released, even if it is unclassified.”
Hegseth’s Assertions on Social Media
DoW Secretary Pete Hegseth, a Trump appointee, further solidified the administration’s stance in a Friday post on X (formerly Twitter). He declared, “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.” This statement followed Hegseth’s May announcement of new physical restrictions limiting reporters’ access within the Pentagon to designated areas such as the press room, cafeteria, and courtyard.
Shift in Pentagon Access Under Hegseth
These limitations represent a significant departure from the relatively open access granted to journalists under previous administrations. Reporters previously enjoyed considerably greater freedom of movement within the Pentagon complex. The stricter measures implemented by Hegseth came after he faced criticism for inadvertently sharing sensitive information about US military operations in Yemen via a Signal group chat that included a journalist.
Strained Relationship with the Media
Since assuming his position, Hegseth has cultivated a notably adversarial relationship with major news organizations. He has overseen the eviction of several prominent news outlets, including the New York Times, CNN, Politico, and NPR, from their long-held offices within the Pentagon. This move, coupled with the recent restrictions, has raised concerns among press freedom advocates about potential government overreach and the suppression of critical reporting on national security matters.
Trump’s Response and Future Implications
Trump’s seemingly dismissive remarks regarding the Pentagon’s new restrictions leave the future of media access uncertain. While his statement offers a glimmer of hope for journalists, the actual implementation of the DoW’s directive remains to be seen. The clash between the administration’s desire for tighter control over information and the press’s commitment to transparency continues to be a significant point of contention.
Source: The Guardian
