Press could lose Pentagon access for releasing 'unauthorised information'

September 20, 2025

The Pentagon has implemented new restrictions requiring journalists to agree not to disclose unauthorized information or risk losing access to the building. These changes also limit journalists' movement within the Pentagon facility, home to the recently renamed Department of War. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasized that journalists must follow security protocols, while the Pentagon claims to remain committed to transparency despite requiring official approval for releasing even unclassified information.

Who is affected

Journalists with Pentagon press credentials
Members of the press who cover Pentagon activities
The public who receives information about Pentagon operations
Department of War (formerly Department of Defense) employees

What action is being taken

The Pentagon is requiring journalists to sign agreements not to disclose unauthorized information
The Pentagon is imposing limits on journalists' movement within the facility
The Department of War is requiring official approval before any information can be released publicly
The Pentagon is implementing credential revocation procedures for unauthorized disclosure of information

Why it matters

The restrictions could limit press access and reduce transparency about Pentagon operations
The changes follow several significant leaks that contradicted official statements
The measures represent a shift in press-Pentagon relations under the new Department of War leadership
The restrictions affect how national security information is shared with the public
The new policies create potential consequences for journalists who disclose unauthorized information

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC