US News Outlets Defy Pentagon: Reject New Press Rules Amid Free Speech Fears

Major US News Outlets Reject Pentagon's New Press Rules In a bold move, at least 30 prominent US and international news organizations have refused to sign the new media access rules proposed by the Pentagon, citing concerns that they violate the constitutionally protected right to free speech. The decision was made public on Tuesday, with several major outlets, including the New York Times, the Associated Press, Reuters, AFP, and Fox News, rejecting the new policy. According to sources, the Pentagon had warned that it would revoke press badges for news organizations that did not agree to the media access rules. However, the affected news outlets argue that the new policy is an attempt to restrict journalists' ability to gather information and hold those in power accountable. "We cannot sign onto a policy that requires us to acknowledge we could be deemed security risks simply for doing our job," said a spokesperson for The New York Times. "This is not about access, it's about accountability." The new rules, which come after the Department of Defense has already restricted media access inside the Pentagon and forced some outlets to vacate offices in the building, require journalists to acknowledge that they could be deemed security risks if they ask department employees to disclose classified or certain types of unclassified information. "This is a clear attempt by the Pentagon to muzzle the press," said a spokesperson for Reuters. "We will not sign onto a policy that compromises our ability to report on important issues." The move has sparked widespread criticism from media organizations and freedom of speech advocates around the world. The European Union's Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, Thierry Breton, expressed concern about the implications of the new policy on press freedom. "The EU is committed to protecting press freedom and ensuring that journalists can operate without fear of reprisal," said Breton. "We will be monitoring this situation closely." The Pentagon has yet to comment on the decision by the news outlets, but sources indicate that they are prepared to move forward with revoking press badges for those who do not comply. As the standoff between the Pentagon and the media continues, it remains to be seen how this will impact the flow of information in the United States. One thing is clear: the battle for press freedom has only just begun. Background: The new policy is part of a broader effort by the Department of Defense to restrict media access and control the narrative around military operations. Under the leadership of Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon has taken several steps to limit journalists' ability to report on sensitive information. International Perspective: The move has sparked concern among international organizations and governments that value press freedom. The European Union, the United Nations, and human rights groups have all expressed concerns about the implications of the new policy on global press freedom. Next Developments: As the standoff between the Pentagon and the media continues, it is likely that this will be a long-term battle for press freedom. Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available. *Reporting by Dw.*