The latest announcement by the Trump administration over new restrictions on media outlets reporting on military-related developments has raised eyebrows among media institutions.
The new restrictions issued by the Pentagon would require legal permission for media houses to publish material related to the US military and defence.
Many in the US news business have expressed concern over the development as disturbing and an attempt to take control of the media institutions in the country.
Trump and his administration are at odds with Media Mogul Rupert Murdoch over reports highlighting Trump’s connection with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein last month.
The move is seen as an attempt to punish the US media’s liberty and an assault on democracy by many experts, who believe Trump is up to something unpleasant.
The rules, contained in a memo published by The New York Times following its circulation among media outlets on Friday, stipulate that information must be approved for release by “an appropriate authorising official before it is released, even if it is unclassified”.
Also Read : Portugal joins nations recognising Palestine
The imposed measures would restrict journalists’ movement in the Virginia-based Pentagon building.
“The ‘press’ does not run the Pentagon – the people do,” Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said in a post on X.
“The press is no longer allowed to roam the halls of a secure facility. Wear a badge and follow the rules – or go home.”
Mike Balsamo, the president of the National Press Club, has blasted the latest changes and termed the decision an “assault on independent journalism”.
He even criticised Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying if an information report related to the military is to be approved by the government before it is published, then it is no longer news.
“It is getting only what officials want them to see. That should alarm every American,” Balsamo said in a statement.
Follow us
