The Pentagon Just Locked Out the Press. Democracy Is Watching.

On October 15, 2025, something historic and deeply alarming happened: the Pentagon confiscated the badges of nearly every major reporter who covers U.S. defense. The New York Times, Fox News, CNN, Reuters, the Washington Post - all walked out rather than sign a new “media policy” that would have forced them to promise not to publish unapproved information and exposed them to possible prosecution just for doing their jobs. For the first time in modern American history, there are zero independent journalists inside the Pentagon. Let that sink in. The department that controls nearly $1 trillion in public funds and global military operations has shut its doors to the free press. The Pentagon Press Association called it “a dark day for press freedom,” and they’re right; it’s the kind of move we expect from authoritarian states, not a constitutional democracy. But here’s the thing: the reporters refused to cave. They chose the First Amendment over access. They defended our right to know. That courage deserves backup - from Congress, and from us. I’m asking you to: 1 Publicly condemn this policy and demand its immediate repeal. 2 Call for oversight hearings to investigate how this was allowed and what laws it violates. 3 Back legislation guaranteeing that no U.S. agency can demand a loyalty oath or criminalize journalism. 4 Demand transparency: release the full text and legal rationale behind this policy. This moment isn’t about party politics. It’s about whether the truth still has a place in America. Every democracy that lost its freedom started with silencing its press. But we still have time to turn back; to choose courage, openness, and accountability. Please stand with the journalists who refused to trade their pens for permission slips. Stand with the people’s right to know.