AP and New York Times Refuse Trump Pentagon’s New Security Policy as Secretary Pete Hegseth Cracks Down on Media Leaks — Supporters Say It’s About Protecting America, Not Silencing the Press
Tension between the Pentagon and major media outlets is escalating after the Associated Press and The New York Times refused to comply with new press security rules introduced under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a key figure in President Trump’s national security team. The new policy — which requires media escorts in restricted areas and grants the Pentagon the right to revoke access for those who breach security — has been painted by critics as a press freedom issue. But to the Trump administration and many Americans, it’s a long-overdue measure to protect national defense and end years of uncontrolled leaks that compromised classified operations.
The Associated Press officially announced it would not sign the policy on Monday, joining The New York Times, CNN, and other outlets in protest. Their objection centers on the claim that the Pentagon’s updated procedures will “restrict journalistic independence.” Yet, inside the Defense Department, the sentiment is strikingly different. Officials say the new rules are about “professional accountability,” not censorship — an effort to re-establish the seriousness of access to one of the most secure facilities in the world.
Hegseth, a decorated Army veteran known for his unapologetic patriotism and strong stance against media manipulation, has made it clear that the Pentagon will no longer operate like an open hallway for anyone carrying a press badge. “Access to America’s military headquarters is a privilege, not a right,” a senior defense official said. “This administration will not compromise the safety of our armed forces or the integrity of sensitive operations to appease politically motivated reporters.”
The Trump administration’s defenders argue that the backlash from outlets like the AP and The New York Times is predictable — another sign of the deep disconnect between Washington media elites and ordinary Americans who value national security over sensationalism. Trump supporters online have praised the policy as a “commonsense fix” to years of reckless leaks that put soldiers, intelligence assets, and missions at risk. Conservative commentators noted that under previous administrations, particularly during the Obama era, journalists were often granted unchecked access to Pentagon spaces, increasing the risk of breaches.
The Associated Press and the Times claim the policy will “chill independent coverage” of military affairs, but many inside the Pentagon see it differently. One senior military source told Fox Digital, “The press still has access — just not a blank check. We’re not blocking information; we’re enforcing responsibility. That’s what’s been missing.”
Since President Trump’s return to the White House, there has been a clear shift in how his administration handles national security transparency. Trump has repeatedly said he supports “open and fair media coverage,” but not at the expense of the safety of American personnel. The Pentagon under Hegseth is taking that message seriously — balancing the need for legitimate reporting with a renewed emphasis on protecting America’s secrets.
The controversy also reflects a deeper ideological divide. For years, mainstream media outlets have accused the Trump administration of “anti-press” sentiment. Yet, Trump’s allies say it’s the press that has abandoned professionalism, prioritizing politics over truth. Hegseth, long a vocal critic of media bias, emphasized that the new policy does not target any outlet. “If they can’t follow basic rules of security, they shouldn’t be inside one of the most protected buildings on earth,” he reportedly told staff during an internal briefing.
Critics from left-leaning organizations, including the ACLU and Reporters Without Borders, have already condemned the rules as restrictive. But within military and pro-Trump circles, the sentiment is clear — enough is enough. “Leaks have consequences,” one Pentagon adviser told DailyMail. “You don’t let the same people who’ve smeared this administration walk around the Pentagon unsupervised. This isn’t about silencing anyone. It’s about doing what every soldier understands: protect what matters.”
While media giants stage public resistance, smaller and independent reporters have largely complied with the policy, suggesting that the opposition is more symbolic than practical. Supporters of the move say the outcry proves why such reform was necessary — because major corporate media have grown too entitled to oversight.
For now, the Associated Press and The New York Times have lost Pentagon access, a development many see as self-inflicted. Trump supporters online have rallied behind Hegseth, calling him “the right man for the right time.” As one veteran put it bluntly on social media, “If the AP can’t handle security rules, maybe they shouldn’t be reporting on the U.S. military at all.”
In Washington, the standoff represents more than a policy dispute — it’s a battle over who gets to define accountability. For the Trump administration, tightening access isn’t about restricting freedom. It’s about restoring respect for the institution that defends it.
