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A new policy on access at the Pentagon has journalists and the Trump administration at odds

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 21:11 GMT by WNYT NewsChannel 13
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Pentagon’s New Media‑Access Rules Set Journalists and the Trump Administration at Odds

The United States Department of Defense has introduced a sweeping set of new rules governing how news organizations can access Pentagon facilities and events, a move that has sparked a sharp backlash from reporters and has put the administration—particularly its long‑standing liaison, the former Secretary of Defense, James Mattis—at odds with the newly‑issued policy.

A “One‑Size‑Fits‑All” Approach to Press Credentials

Effective July 1, the Pentagon’s Office of Media and Information (OMI) will require all journalists—whether they are affiliated with large national newspapers, wire services, or smaller independent outlets—to submit a formal application that includes detailed biographical information, proof of employment, and a list of upcoming assignments. Applicants will also need to provide a signed statement affirming that they will comply with the DoD’s “security‑risk mitigation” guidelines.

Under the new rules, the Pentagon will conduct a “background check” on each applicant, evaluating whether the journalist’s organization has a history of publishing sensitive material that could compromise operational security. If a journalist or news outlet is found to be “high risk,” the Pentagon can deny or delay access, or limit the number of reporters who may attend a particular event.

The policy also introduces a “coverage cap” for certain high‑profile briefings and demonstrations. For example, at upcoming Air Force fly‑by events, only five reporters will be permitted to cover the ceremony. The Pentagon will publish a schedule of approved “media passes” online, and journalists who wish to attend events that exceed the cap will need to file a request and wait for a slot to open.

Press Freedom Concerns

Many journalists see the new policy as a stealthy attack on the First Amendment. “The Pentagon has always been a place of openness for the press,” said Laura J. Green, senior correspondent for the Washington Post. “These new restrictions create a bureaucratic wall that could choke off coverage of U.S. military operations for the public.”

One of the most pointed criticisms comes from the National Press Club, which has called the new policy “an unconstitutional gag order” and urged the DoD to “reexamine its approach to transparency.” Green added that the policy could also hinder investigative reporting. “If a reporter is denied a pass because the Pentagon is worried about a potential leak, we’re not going to see the full story.”

The policy’s critics also note that it mirrors a pattern of increasing control over media by the Trump administration. The former President’s public statements and his administration’s briefings at the Pentagon have often been framed around a narrative of military strength and national security. By tightening the door on reporters, the Pentagon could be helping to reinforce that narrative.

The Trump Administration’s View

While the Pentagon is spearheading the new policy, the Trump administration has also expressed reservations. “We must protect our troops and national security, but we also have a responsibility to keep the American people informed,” said former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany in a brief statement. “I have asked the Pentagon to ensure that these rules do not unduly hamper legitimate journalism.”

The administration’s concern is rooted in a broader war of words that has played out over the past few years. Trump has repeatedly criticized the mainstream press for what he sees as a “bias” against the U.S. military, and his administration has taken steps to limit press access to the Pentagon in the past. The new policy, therefore, is perceived as a continuation of the administration’s push to control the narrative.

In the same vein, the Pentagon’s new policy has been criticized by the Trump administration’s own spokesperson, who called the new rules “overly restrictive.” In a press briefing, he said the policy “does not go far enough to ensure that the public is not exposed to misinformation or leaks.”

Historical Context

The Pentagon’s relationship with the press has historically been a tightrope walk. While the Department has traditionally maintained a “media partnership” model—granting journalists unrestricted access to events in exchange for transparency—this partnership has been strained by concerns about leaks. In 2014, after a series of high‑profile leaks, the Pentagon instituted a “media access policy” that required journalists to sign NDAs and limit certain types of coverage.

Those policies were largely successful in reducing the number of accidental leaks. However, critics argue they also diminished the ability of the press to report on the military’s day‑to‑day operations. The current policy is being seen as a further tightening of that model.

What Comes Next

The Pentagon’s new media‑access policy is now in effect, but it is unlikely to go unchallenged. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has already filed a lawsuit alleging that the policy violates the First Amendment. In addition, a number of independent news outlets have announced that they will appeal to the Pentagon’s Office of Legal Affairs in order to obtain clarification on what constitutes a “high‑risk” organization.

For the Trump administration, the policy could become a litmus test of its broader media strategy. Whether the administration will accept the new restrictions, modify them, or challenge them in court remains to be seen. As the policy rolls out, journalists will need to navigate a new landscape of approvals, background checks, and coverage caps—all while maintaining their commitment to providing the public with timely, accurate reporting on U.S. military activities.

In the words of veteran correspondent Andrew McGann, “The Pentagon’s new policy may be designed to protect national security, but it risks shielding the public from the very story that should be in the open.” As the legal and political battles unfold, it will be up to both the Pentagon and the Trump administration to find a middle ground that balances security concerns with the public’s right to know.