Donald Trump’s Defense Department wants every reporter at the Pentagon ― including HuffPost’s S.V. Dáte ― to sign a ridiculous, plainly unconstitutional document. Our response is simple: No way in hell.
Under the Pentagon’s absurd demands, reporters must agree not to obtain any information that the Defense Department does not expressly allow. This is an unacceptable attack on the First Amendment and the principles of a free press. It’s the latest alarming assault on independent media from the Trump administration.
HuffPost remains committed to holding this administration accountable, despite its repeated attacks on the First Amendment. Join us now to keep journalism fearless, fair and free.
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The Department of Defense has a budget of more than $800 billion. It is capable of unleashing lethal force anywhere in the world. Its actions and policies are of great consequence to every American. It is vital that such a powerful force be subject to aggressive, fair, independent reporting, no matter who is in charge.
As outrageous as the Pentagon’s new reporting requirements are, it’s no surprise that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would like less scrutiny from the press. His tenure has been marked by chaos and scandal.
Fortunately, news organizations are showing a united front. Publications from the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post to Newsmax and the Washington Times are rejecting the Pentagon’s onerous dictate. At HuffPost, we refuse as well.
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