Overview

• Accredited journalists were notified Friday night that any Pentagon-related material must be cleared by an authorized official before publication, even if the information is unclassified.
• The requirement explicitly covers information gathered from internal anonymous sources outside official communication channels.
• Noncompliance can result in suspension or revocation of credentials and loss of access to the Pentagon building, according to the guidance.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the restrictions on X, telling reporters to use their badges, follow the rules, or go home.
• The department indicated the policy will take effect within two to three weeks, and the National Press Club urged the Pentagon to immediately rescind the directive.