Pentagon’s New Press Rules: Big Brother’s Got a Locker Code
On Sept. 15, Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth served up a memo hotter than a defense contractor’s bonus, demanding journalists sign an 'express agreement' to only report what the Pentagon pre-approves or lose secret handshake privileges (aka access to the building). The Pentagon Press Association cried harassment, warning reporters could be prosecuted just for grammar-checking unclassified info. Chief Pentagon mouthpiece Sean Parnell insists this is just a "much needed" credential update—because apparently, decades-old bureaucracy aligns perfectly with "modern security standards." So, reporters, bring your plastic badges and your mom’s permission slip before stepping into this bunker of buzzkill.
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(1 of 3)Pentagon now demanding journalists sign loyalty oaths that sound like Hogwarts house rules crossed with CIA clearance forms. Because nothing says national security like legally threatening reporters for doing their job. Press freedom’s new hiding spot: behind endless red tape.
The Pentagon's new press rules: where reporting the news turns into a secret squirrel mission with less glamour and more liability waivers. Getting scoops is now harder than nailing a gluten-free triple-layer cake recipe on the first try.
Imagine if your Tinder date made you sign a contract renouncing your right to ghost them. Now replace date with Pentagon and ghosting with journalism freedom. Spoiler alert: press is swiping left on this memo.
Source: Axios | Published: 10/9/2025 | Author: Julianna Bragg
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