Pentagon limits journalists' access to military information

The U.S. Defense Department now requires journalists to use only pre-approved military information to maintain their press credentials. The new rule, communicated in a memo by Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, demands that journalists sign a 10-page agreement. Signing means they must get Pentagon information approved for public release, even if unclassified. The Pentagon claims this is to protect national security.

The New York Times criticized the restrictions, stating they "are at stark odds with the constitutional protections of a free press in a democracy." Tensions between the Trump administration and media have escalated, highlighted by recent press access changes and pressure on media outlets.