Defense Secretary Hegseth requires new ‘pledge’ for Pentagon reporters : NPR

The US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, speaks at a press conference in the Pentagon on June 26.

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Andrew Harnik / Getty images

The Pentagon will considerably change its rules for journalists who cover the Ministry of Defense, two American officials who are not allowed to speak publicly at NPR on Friday. This decision aroused strong criticism from press organizations, who said it had violated the foundation of a free press.

In the future, journalists must sign a commitment not to collect information, including unlatched reports, which have not been authorized for Liberation.

Using the acronym of renamed “War Department”, DOW “, the 17 -page document obtained by NPR describing the new rules for the media says that those who do not obey the new policy will lose their press identification information – reducing access to the headquarters of the largest American government department.

“DOW remains attached to transparency to promote public responsibility and confidence,” said the document. “However, DOW information must be approved for public release by an appropriate authorization official before its publication, even if it is not classified.”

According to the document, journalists who report news outside the pentagon’s explicit orders could be considered “a risk of security or security” and ensure that their references.

Writing on the quarter work, the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, posted on social networks on Friday that “the” press “does not manage the Pentagon – people do it”.

Earlier this year, Hegseth announced new rules limiting journalists’ ability to move freely in the Pentagon without approved escort – a change that has broken years of tradition from democratic and republican administrations.

“The press is no longer allowed to browse the corridors of a secure installation. Wear a badge and follow the rules – or go home,” wrote HegSeth in the Friday tweet.

These new restrictions are in accordance with the wider policy of the Trump administration to try to limit the coverage of the outlets that President Trump deemed unfair.

Hegseth’s decision was quickly and strongly shot by media members and supporters of a free press, which noted that the pre-approval of equipment to declare would limit the ability of journalists to provide vital news to the public about the American army.

“This is a direct assault against independent journalism at the very place where independent control is the most important: the American army,” said the president of the National Press Club, Mike Balsamo, in a statement.

“For generations, Pentagon journalists have provided the public with vital information on how wars are carried out, how the defense dollars are spent and how the decisions are taken which put American lives in danger. This work was only possible because journalists could seek facts without the need for government authorization.”

The Pentagon Press Association said it was aware of the new policy and was examining it.

Thomas Evans, editor -in -chief of NPR, said: “NPR takes this very seriously. We are working with other press organizations to postpone. We are big fans of the first amendment and transparency and we want the American public to understand what is done on their behalf.”

Disclosure: This story was written and reported by the correspondents of NPR quil Lawrence, Alana Wise and David Folkenflik. He was published by the editor -in -chief Avie Schneider, the editor Miguel Macias and the assistant editor Jim Kane. As part of the NPR protocol to cover yourself, no press director or company manager examined history before its publication publicly.

David Folkenflik of NPR has contributed to the reports.