Dozens of journalists walked out of the Pentagon on Wednesday rather than agree to new MAGA rules limiting their reporting.This led to many condemnations, including that of Indian-origin Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, who called the restrictions an attack on press freedom and slammed US defence secretary Pete HegsethSubramanyam posted his official statement on X, “My statement on the Administration’s attacks on the First Amendment and the Pentagon Press Corps.” He also said, “Make no mistake, Secretary Hegseth’s attempts to restrict reporters are an attack on freedom of the press, the First Amendment, and our democracy. The American people deserve transparency through accurate and fair reporting. Rather than attacking the messengers of his failed policies, Secretary Hegseth should instead consider doing more to support servicemembers and their families and keep our country safe.” The walkout followed new rules imposed by Hegseth that would allow the Pentagon to expel journalists for reporting on information that had not been approved for release. News organisations rejected the rules, calling them a threat to independent reporting. They see the rules as a way to spoon-feed information and control the narrative. Reporters began leaving; they carried chairs, documents, copying machines, books, and old photos to the parking lot as they handed in their badges. Around 40 to 50 journalists left the Pentagon together, reports the Associated Press.Hegseth has previously limited access to many areas of the Pentagon, held only two formal press briefings, and launched investigations into leaks to the media. He described the new rules as “common sense.”US President Donald Trump backed the new policy, telling reporters at the White House on Tuesday, “I think he finds the press to be very disruptive in terms of world peace. The press is very dishonest.”Several reporters posted on social media when they turned in their badges. Heather Mongilio of USNINews wrote, “It’s such a tiny thing, but I was really proud to see my picture up on the wall of Pentagon correspondents. Today, I’ll hand in my badge. The reporting will continue.”NPR reporter Tom Bowman noted that sources will continue to provide crucial information. “With no reporters able to ask questions, it seems the Pentagon leadership will continue to rely on slick social media posts, carefully orchestrated short videos and interviews with partisan commentators and podcasters. No one should think that’s good enough,” he said.The Pentagon Press Association, representing 101 reporters from 56 news outlets, opposed the rules. Most organisations instructed their reporters to leave rather than submit.
