Pentagon Press Corps Forced to Pack Up After Rejecting Government-Imposed Restrictions On Their Reporting
Written by b87fm on 10/15/2025
The Pentagon’s long-standing tradition of in-house press coverage reached a breaking point this week as journalists began clearing out their workspaces after refusing to sign a new media policy widely condemned as a threat to press freedom.
By 5 p.m. Wednesday, reporters who declined the new agreement were required to turn in their credentials, effectively ending decades of direct, on-site coverage inside the world’s largest military headquarters.
Hallways Full of History
In the hours before the deadline, journalists scrambled to box up years of reporting materials — books, notes, personal items, and hard-earned access. One veteran Pentagon correspondent, who asked not to be named, told The Guardian, “I drove in instead of taking the subway because we have so much crap to take back.”
What’s at Stake
For many correspondents, losing proximity to Pentagon officials will inevitably reshape how the military is covered. The Department of Defense, led by Secretary Pete Hegseth — a former Fox News host and frequent media critic — has already scaled back access over the past year, shutting briefing rooms and evicting television networks from their dedicated spaces.
The new rules, described by media groups as “designed to stifle a free press,” include vague restrictions on “soliciting” information from defense personnel, which journalists say could severely limit reporting.
Despite ideological divides, the country’s five major television networks issued a joint statement refusing to sign the agreement, saying it
“threatens core journalistic principles.”
Reporters Vow to Fight Back
“I believe coverage is going to take a hit,” one veteran reporter admitted. “But I’m also motivated — I’m going to go really hard now to prove we can still do our jobs.”
Others noted that urgent reporting will be harder without quick hallway conversations or impromptu access to press officials. The chilling effect is expected to extend beyond reporters to Pentagon staffers, who now face “severe consequences” for unauthorized disclosures — including possible criminal charges.
One America News Remains
As of now, only One America News has agreed to sign the Pentagon’s new rules, while outlets like The Atlantic and The Guardian turned in their credentials. Conservative outlet The Federalist also indicated it would sign.
“It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this point,” said Griff Witte, managing editor at The Atlantic, “but it’s not going to stop us from doing our work.”
A Historic Break in Pentagon Coverage
Veteran CNN Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr, who retired in 2022, called the move “sad business,” predicting the Pentagon may regret pushing out a press corps that has covered every major conflict for decades.
“The press corps will do everything it can to overcome this,” Starr said. “It’s going to fire up reporters to make sure they can still do their jobs. But this marks the end of an era.”
