Pentagon Reporters Exit En Masse Over New Restrictions

Dozens of Pentagon reporters left their posts Wednesday after refusing to accept new reporting rules imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that would authorize the expulsion of journalists who report information not approved for release by the defense secretary.

News organizations covering the Defense Department were nearly unanimous in rejecting the restrictions. Around 40 to 50 journalists departed together shortly after 4 p.m., surrendering their Pentagon press credentials.

The exodus left evidence of a hasty departure, with boxes of documents lining Pentagon corridors as reporters removed office equipment, furniture, books and photographs from suddenly vacated workspaces. The items were carried to the parking lot as journalists prepared to leave the building.

The new rules would have given Hegseth authority to determine what information reporters could pursue, effectively limiting independent coverage of the Defense Department. The walkout represents a significant disruption to Pentagon press operations and raises questions about press access to one of the federal government's largest agencies.