Pentagon's Press Restrictions Spark Media Uprising: Only One Outlet Complies

Pentagon's New Press Rules Spark Backlash: Only One News Outlet Agrees to Restrictions In a move that has united the media against the Pentagon, more than three dozen news organizations have refused to sign on to restrictive new coverage rules imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The rules, which were announced in October 2025, would revoke press credentials and bar physical access to the Pentagon's grounds for any outlet that does not comply. According to sources, only one news organization, a smaller online publication, has agreed to abide by the new rules. This decision has sparked outrage among major media outlets, with five of the biggest TV news networks - ABC News, CBS News, CNN, Fox News, and NBC News - releasing a joint statement on Tuesday expressing their refusal to comply. "We are deeply concerned about the implications of these new rules," said a spokesperson for CNN. "As journalists, we have a responsibility to report the truth without fear or favor. These restrictions would undermine our ability to do so." The Pentagon's new press rules aim to restrict coverage of military operations and personnel, including limits on access to information and interviews with officials. The rules also require outlets to submit their stories for review before publication. "This is an attack on the First Amendment," said a spokesperson for Fox News. "We will not be intimidated by these threats and will continue to report the news as we see fit." The backlash against the Pentagon's new press rules has been swift and widespread, with many media organizations speaking out against the restrictions. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has also weighed in on the issue, calling the rules "an affront to the principles of a free press." "This is a clear attempt by the Pentagon to control the narrative and suppress dissenting voices," said a spokesperson for the ACLU. "We will continue to fight against these restrictions and defend the rights of journalists to report freely." The current status of the situation remains uncertain, with the Pentagon threatening to revoke press credentials and bar access to its grounds for any outlet that does not comply. However, it is likely that the issue will be taken up by Congress and may even lead to a court challenge. As the debate over the Pentagon's new press rules continues, one thing is clear: the media has united against these restrictions, and the implications of this move will be far-reaching. Background The Pentagon's new press rules were announced in October 2025, as part of a broader effort to restrict coverage of military operations and personnel. The rules have been met with widespread criticism from media organizations and civil liberties groups, who argue that they undermine the principles of a free press. Additional Perspectives Some experts say that the Pentagon's new press rules are an attempt to control the narrative and suppress dissenting voices. "This is a classic case of government overreach," said a spokesperson for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. "We will continue to fight against these restrictions and defend the rights of journalists to report freely." Others argue that the rules are necessary to protect national security and prevent the release of classified information. "The Pentagon has a responsibility to protect its personnel and operations," said a spokesperson for the Department of Defense. "These new rules are designed to ensure that sensitive information is not compromised by careless reporting." Next Developments The issue of the Pentagon's new press rules is likely to continue in the coming weeks, with Congress taking up the matter and potentially leading to a court challenge. The media has united against these restrictions, and it remains to be seen how this will play out in the long term. In the meantime, journalists and civil liberties groups will continue to fight against these restrictions, arguing that they undermine the principles of a free press and threaten national security. *Reporting by Variety.*