Defense Secretary Hegseth requires new 'pledge' for reporters at the Pentagon

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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon on June 26, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images North America hide caption

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Andrew Harnik/Getty Images North America

The Pentagon will drastically change its rules for journalists who cover the Department of Defense, two U.S. officials who are not authorized to speak publicly confirmed to NPR Friday.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is pictured with a serious facial expression while listening during an event with President Donald Trump to sign executive orders regarding nuclear energy in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 23, 2025, in Washington. Only Hegseth is pictured. He's wearing a blue suit and dark-patterned tie.

Going forward, journalists must sign a pledge not to gather any information, including unclassified reports, that hasn't been authorized for release.

The Pentagon says those who fail to obey the new policy will lose their press credentials, cutting off access to the headquarters of the largest department in the U.S. Government.

Writing about the shift, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on social media that, "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."

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