Pentagon sets sign-or-lose-credentials deadline; plans press workspace move amid rules fight
The Pentagon has issued revised credentialing rules, citing a Sept. 15 memo from Secretary Pete Hegseth, that require reporters to sign an "express agreement" or written acknowledgment by next week not to gather information the department hasn’t authorized or risk losing access; DoD spokespeople say the change modernizes security and that access to the building is a privilege. Press groups including the Pentagon Press Association and the Reporters Committee warn the policy sends a "message of intimidation," could expose journalists to prosecution, and are alarmed the department plans to move the press workspace in a way that would further isolate the corps.
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📌 Key Facts
- Axios cites a Sept. 15 memo by Sec. Pete Hegseth saying revised rules would require reporters to sign an 'express agreement' not to gather information the department hasn't authorized for release, with loss of access as a penalty; the Pentagon subsequently said it dropped the requirement to 'agree' and now requires a written 'understanding' and can revoke credentials if reporters seek information from DoD personnel without prior official approval.
- Reporters face a deadline next week to sign a statement acknowledging the Pentagon's new press rules or risk losing their credentials.
- The Pentagon Press Association warns the policy could expose reporters to prosecution, conveys a 'message of intimidation,' and says a planned move of the press corps from its current workspace would further isolate journalists.
- The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press says it expects the policy will be a significant impediment as news outlets decide whether to sign.
- Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell posted on X that the credentialing update was 'overdue,' intended to align with modern security standards, and that 'Access to the Pentagon is a privilege, not a right.'
- Hegseth defended the use of escorts and movement limits in a Fox News interview and dismissed press objections, saying, 'The Pentagon press corps can squeal all they want.'
📰 Sources (3)
New Pentagon policy sends "message of intimidation," press group says
New information:
- Axios cites a Sept. 15 memo by Sec. Pete Hegseth and says revised rules shared Monday would require reporters to sign an 'express agreement' not to gather information the department hasn’t authorized for release, with loss of access as a penalty.
- The Pentagon Press Association warns the policy could expose reporters to prosecution and conveys a 'message of intimidation,' suggesting it implies speaking without permission could be criminal.
- Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell posted on X that DoD made an 'overdue' credentialing update to align with modern security standards and emphasized 'Access to the Pentagon is a privilege, not a right.'
Pentagon, journalists on collision course as restrictions on reporting loom
New information:
- Reporters face a deadline next week to sign a statement acknowledging the Pentagon's new press rules or risk losing credentials.
- Pentagon dropped the requirement that reporters 'agree' to the policy but now requires written 'understanding'; it says it can revoke credentials if reporters seek information from DoD personnel without prior official approval.
- The Pentagon Press Association says it was surprised to learn the department plans to move the press corps from its current workspace, warning it will further isolate journalists.
- The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press says it still has concerns and expects the policy will pose a significant impediment as outlets decide whether to sign.
- Hegseth, in a Fox News interview, defended escorts and movement limits and said, 'The Pentagon press corps can squeal all they want.'