United States of America - September 2025

On 19 September, the Department of Defense announced a series of restrictions on journalists covering the Pentagon, arguing security risks. These included a requirement that officials approve journalists’ reporting, even if regarding unclassified information. Credentials and access to the Department of Defense’s headquarters would be revoked for those not in compliance. In the months leading to the announcement, some restrictive measures were implemented, such as the requirement that journalists be accompanied by an escort in some Pentagon locations, a departure from previous practice. On 15 October, ahead of the deadline to sign a pledge regarding the observance of the new guidelines, the vast majority of media organizations covering the Pentagon rejected the conditions, turning in their badges and leaving their workspaces. 

Update: On 21 March 2026, a federal judge blocked the Department of Defense's policy on how journalists access the Pentagon, finding it to be unconstitutional. Just a few days after the ruling, the Pentagon closed the press workspace in its premises in what the Pentagon Press Association called ‘a clear violation of the letter and spirit of last week’s ruling.’ The move was again struck down by a federal judge on 10 April. As the government has appealed the decision, an appeals court ruled that the Defense Department can require journalists to be escorted on Pentagon grounds in the meantime. 

Sources: Politico, NPR, New York Times, Washington Post, AP, BBC, The Guardian, CNN, AP(2)