Overview
- An Oct. 15 memo signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Deputy Secretary Steve Feinberg requires Pentagon personnel, including the Joint Chiefs chair and combatant commanders, to route congressional communications through the legislative affairs office, with the inspector general and lawful whistleblowers exempt.
- The guidance, first reported by Breaking Defense and confirmed by multiple outlets, directs a comprehensive 90‑day review of congressional interactions, and a separate Oct. 17 memo established a working group to refine the rules.
- Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell described the shift as a pragmatic internal review to improve coordination and accuracy, saying it does not change how or from whom Congress receives information.
- The directive landed as most major outlets vacated the Pentagon rather than sign a restrictive press pledge; the department then announced a “next generation” press corps of over 60 signatories that, according to public claims by outlets, includes Gateway Pundit, LindellTV, Human Events, The Post Millennial and The National Pulse.
- Lawmakers and press‑freedom groups voiced concerns about slower information flow and diminished oversight, with Sen. Jack Reed denouncing the move and Rep. George Whitesides warning it could hinder fast responses needed for work on the 2026 defense bill.