Several press organizations have refused to sign a new Pentagon policy regulating access to certain areas.
The Associated Press, The Atlantic, CNN, Newsmax, the New York Times, NPR, Reuters, and the Washington Post have each indicated they will not agree to the document. The deadline to sign the agreement is Tuesday evening.
“Pentagon access is a privilege, not a right,” Hegseth said of the new policy. “Press no longer roams free. Press must wear visible badge. Credentialed press no longer permitted to solicit criminal acts. DONE. Pentagon now has same rules as every U.S military installation.”
The news outlets claimed the policy violates the First Amendment.
Only one news outlet has indicated it will abide by the policy. One America News Network’s Charles Herring said in a statement, “After thorough review of the revised press policy by our attorney, OAN staff has signed the document.”
“The Department of War must safeguard classified national security information (CNSI), in accordance with Executive Order 13526 and the Atomic Energy Act, and information designated as controlled unclassified information (CUI), in accordance with Executive Order 13556,” the document says. “Only authorized persons who have received favorable determinations of eligibility for access, signed approved non-disclosure agreements, and have a need-to-know may be granted access to CNSI. DoW may only provide CUI to individuals when there is a lawful governmental purpose for doing so. Unauthorized disclosure of CNSI or CUI poses a security risk that could damage the national security of the United States and place DoW personnel in jeopardy.”
Failure to abide by the policy “may result in suspension or revocation of your building pass and loss of access,” it states.
Amid backlash for the policy, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said, “Let’s be absolutely clear: journalists are not required to clear their stories with us. This claim is a lie.” He listed the new guidelines as: “Have an escort in sensitive areas. Wear a press credential. Don’t encourage our people to violate DoW policy. Pretty simple.”
