Press outlets refuse to sign Pentagon pledge ahead of deadline

The Pentagon has put sweeping press restrictions into place, saying that all credentialed journalists reporting from the military HQ must pledge to not publish any information that was not authorized for release, including unclassified information. Many media outlets, both conservative and leftist, have refused to sign the mandatory pledge.

Those who do not sign the policy are at risk of losing their credentials, per the 17-page memo from late September. "Information must be approved for public release by an appropriate authorizing official before it is released, even if it is unclassified," the memo states.

Newsmax, The Washington Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The New York Times, CNN, The Guardian, Breaking Defense, and other outlets have all said they would not sign it. Those outlets will be made to turn in their credentials by Tuesday at 5 pm and remove their things from the press offices.

OAN has said that they would sign the pledge. "After thorough review of the revised press policy by our attorney, OAN staff has signed the document," said OAN head Charles Herring. 

The Pentagon Press Association also condemned the rules and has retained counsel.

Hegseth shared a post detailing the Dept of War's "press credentialing for dummies," saying "Press no longer roams free, Press must wear visible badge, Credentialed press no longer permitted to solicit criminal acts," i.e. press is not permitted to publish information that hasn't been approved for release by the Department. "DONE," Hegseth said. "Pentagon now has same rules as every U.S. military installation."

"The proposed restrictions undercut First Amendment protections by placing unnecessary constraints on gathering and publishing information," said Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray. "We will continue to vigorously and fairly report on the policies and positions of the Pentagon and officials across the government."

New York Times Washington Bureau Chief Richard Stevenson said that the Pentagon's policy "constrains how journalists can report on the US military, which is funded by nearly $1 trillion in dollars annually." He said that "The public has a right to know how the government and military are operating."

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, formerly known as the Secretary of Defense, has been making extensive changes to the Department of War since taking the position. His changes to physical fitness standards are indicative of his approach for high standards, military readiness, and a "warrior ethos."

On a post on September 24, Dept of War spokesperson Sean Parnell said, "It should come as no surprise that the mainstream media is once again misrepresenting the Pentagon’s press procedures. Let’s be absolutely clear: journalists are not required to clear their stories with us. This claim is a lie. Have an escort in sensitive areas. Wear a press credential. Don’t encourage our people to violate DoW policy. Pretty simple."

In response to the statements from The New York Times, The Atlantic, and the Washington Post declining the sign the pledge, Hegseth simply posted a "hand waving goodbye" emoji.