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Pentagon Orders Pre-Approval for Coverage and Curbs Reporters’ Movement as New Rules Begin Next Week

Critics say forcing authorization for unclassified reporting violates press freedoms.

Overview

  • A new accreditation document requires a designated Pentagon official to approve Department of Defense information before publication, including unclassified material.
  • Failure to comply can trigger revocation of press credentials under the policy circulated Friday.
  • Reporters will no longer roam the building freely and will require escorts, with officials instructing journalists to wear badges and follow facility rules.
  • Major news organizations and journalist associations condemned the restrictions and urged their withdrawal, and lawmakers from both parties voiced objections.
  • The measures track with an ongoing shift in access at the Pentagon and follow security concerns highlighted by a March Signal group-chat incident.