Read, Watch or Listen

Pentagon reporters began surrendering credentials after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth imposed a policy that advocates say criminalizes routine reporting and sharply limits access. A flyer reading “journalism is not a crime” appeared on a wall outside the Correspondents’ Corridor before being removed, as a plaque touts the “free flow of information.” Most outlets rejected the terms—Fox News, Newsmax and The Daily Caller among them—while One America News accepted. Press groups denounced the policy; military officers voiced regret. Inside Defense editor Tony Bertuca called it part of months of few briefings and one-way messaging, and vowed to follow the money.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.