In a significant development, dozens of journalists have returned their Pentagon access badges and exited the building on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in protest against new reporting restrictions imposed by the Trump administration. The restrictions, announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, require journalists to sign a pledge agreeing not to report on information that has not been authorized for release, including unclassified information. Failure to comply would result in the revocation of press credentials.
The new policy has been met with widespread condemnation from media organizations, including The Associated Press, The New York Times, and Newsmax, all of which have refused to sign the agreement. Critics argue that the restrictions infringe upon First Amendment rights and represent a dangerous step toward government censorship.
Defense Secretary Hegseth defended the new rules, stating that they are necessary to protect national security and the safety of those who work at the Pentagon. He emphasized that the policy does not prevent journalists from reporting but ensures that information is properly vetted before being made public.
The departure of numerous journalists from the Pentagon marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between the media and the Trump administration over press access and reporting freedoms. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how these new restrictions will impact the future of press coverage of the U.S. military.
