America’s defense spending is approaching $1 trillion per year — and the public deserves to know how that money is used.

But now, the Pentagon under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is attempting to silence the press with a sweeping new policy that would drastically restrict how journalists report on national security.

The 21-page policy would replace a simple one-page agreement and includes dangerous provisions that:

• Allow the Pentagon to label reporters a “security risk” for publishing even unclassified information
• Restrict reporters’ physical access to parts of the Pentagon
• Threaten retaliation against journalists who uncover and report stories without prior approval
   

Dozens of news outlets — including The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR, CNN, Newsmax, and The Atlantic — have refused to sign the new agreement. As a result, their reporters are being barred from Pentagon access.

We, the undersigned, stand with these journalists and demand that:

• The Department of Defense immediately withdraw this unconstitutional policy
• Congress hold hearings on press suppression at the Pentagon
• Journalists be granted renewed access under long-standing, nonpartisan guidelines that respect the First Amendment.

This isn’t about one party or one administration. It’s about the public’s right to know, especially when it comes to war, military contracts, defense spending, and national security decisions made in our name.

Journalism in the Pentagon has never been unrestricted — but this new policy goes far beyond past norms. It opens the door to labeling inconvenient reporting as a “security threat” and could chill vital investigations before they even begin.

If we allow this policy to take root, what’s next?

Sign this petition to stand with the journalists refusing to sign the Pentagon’s gag order — and tell the Department of Defense: respect press freedom and transparency.

The public deserves facts, not filtered talking points. And the press must be free to report — especially when it’s uncomfortable.