U.S. Defence Department Revokes Pentagon Reporters’ Access Over New Media Policy

• Journalists say move threatens press freedom and transparency

The United States Department of Defence has revoked the access badges of journalists covering the Pentagon after several reporters refused to sign a new media policy that they say undermines press freedom. The decision has triggered strong backlash from journalists and press advocates, who describe it as a serious threat to transparency in government communication.

The Pentagon, located in Arlington, Virginia, is the headquarters of the U.S. military and home to top defence officials. The new policy, which took effect on October 15, 2025, reportedly requires journalists to acknowledge that they could lose access if they publish unapproved information, even if such information is unclassified.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Pentagon Press Association (PPA) condemned the move as “a dark day for press freedom,” accusing the Defence Department of attempting to intimidate the media. The group said the confiscation of access badges affects reporters from nearly all major U.S. news outlets who refused to agree to the new terms.

“Today, the Defence Department confiscated the badges of Pentagon reporters because they declined to sign a new policy that implicitly criminalizes national security reporting,” the PPA said. The association warned that such restrictions could set a dangerous precedent for future government-media relations.

The new rules, according to reports, seek to limit journalists from publishing unapproved details about military operations or policies, a move critics believe could erode public accountability. Media rights organizations have expressed concern that the measure may discourage investigative reporting and promote censorship within defence journalism.

Despite the setback, members of the Pentagon Press Association vowed to continue covering the U.S. military independently. “Make no mistake—this is a dark day for free speech and transparency,” the association said, emphasizing that journalists remain committed to informing the public about defence affairs, regardless of the imposed limitations.