On Friday, September 19, 2025, the Pentagon announced new rules for the media regarding the coverage of the U.S. military. Reporters are now required to sign affidavits pledging not to share any unapproved information. This new directive restricts what they are allowed to report. These changes were implemented by the administration of President Donald Trump and are intended to control the narrative surrounding military actions.
The memo states that all information must be approved before it can be released, including unclassified material. Reporters are not allowed to use unnamed sources and must be accompanied by escorts while in the Pentagon building. Violating these rules will result in the loss of credentials. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on X: “The press does not run the Pentagon; the people do.”
The “press” does not run the Pentagon — the people do. The press is no longer allowed to roam the halls of a secure facility. Wear a badge and follow the rules — or go home. pic.twitter.com/nkG1m6bW3z
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) September 19, 2025The rules follow a leak in Yemen strikes. Hegseth shared details in a Signal chat by mistake. It included a reporter. Hegseth, a former Fox News host, also shared with his wife. Trump has called negative stories “illegal.” This fits his push for media control.
The New York Times called it a “concerning pattern” that cuts access to taxpayer-funded info. National Press Club President Mike Balsamo said it ends independent reporting. “The public gets only what officials want,” he added. This alarms Americans about transparency.
The new rules restrict freedom of the press in military coverage and could potentially conceal important stories. In a democracy, transparency is essential for building trust. These changes raise concerns about reduced accountability. The Pentagon’s revised media rules impose limitations on reporters, requiring them to sign affidavits and be accompanied by escorts. Press groups are increasingly expressing their backlash against these measures. Stay tuned for updates on this significant issue.
