The Donald Trump administration will require the Pentagon press corps to sign a pledge to cover only material that has received prior approval for publication.
According to foreign media on the 19th (local time), the Trump administration said this through a 17-page reporting guideline. Reporters who refuse to sign the pledge will have their credentials revoked.
The pledge states that coverage is prohibited not only for classified information but also for information not classified as secret unless a public official with appropriate approval authority explicitly grants prior approval for publication.
If a reporter attempts to gather information on such material, the Ministry of National Defense can revoke that reporter's credential. Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which has been reported on in the past, also cannot be covered under the new reporting guideline.
For example, information such as how many tanks passed in front of the reviewing stand where President Trump stood at the U.S. Army's 250th founding anniversary parade in Jun. falls under controlled unclassified information.
In addition, Pentagon reporters' movements inside the building are restricted to designated areas. It also includes a provision not to attempt to obtain information that has not received prior approval for publication. The new reporting guideline will take effect starting next week.
Minister of National Defense Pete Hegseth said in a post on social media platform X, "Reporters will no longer be allowed to roam around inside secure facilities," adding, "Either wear your credential and follow the rules, or go home."
Since Minister Hegseth took office, the Trump administration has restricted direct contact between military officials and reporters. Earlier, close aides to the Minister of National Defense at the Pentagon also attempted to introduce polygraph examinations to prevent leaks.