Overview

• Dozens of journalists from more than 30 outlets surrendered badges and cleared Pentagon workspaces after a Wednesday afternoon deadline to accept the policy.
• The policy requires reporters to acknowledge movement and escort restrictions and warns access can be revoked for soliciting information not approved for release.
• President Trump and Pentagon officials defended the measures as common sense steps to protect national security, while press groups called them a threat to independent reporting.
• Major U.S. outlets across the spectrum declined to sign, with One America News Network the only major signatory; an internal list showed roughly 15 total signers including The Federalist, the Epoch Times, and several foreign and freelance reporters.
• News organizations said they will continue covering the U.S. military from outside the building, citing legal concerns raised by the policy and noting Supreme Court precedent protecting publication of leaked material.