Pentagon press corps clashes with Trump admin's new rules: 'Journalism is not a crime'

The Trump administration is clashing with the Pentagon Press Association over rules they are demanding as a guarantee for journalistic access to the Department of Defense.

The rules, among other things, demand that reporters refrain from gathering any information they are not given explicit permission to access — effectively barring them from publishing anything they learn from leaks or anonymous whistleblowers. Failure to agree to the rules could bar reporters from receiving full press credentials to access the Pentagon.

The terms have been met with widespread protest, and the Pentagon Press Association is reportedly refusing to sign them. Sean Parnell, the chief spokesman for the agency, hit back on X with a lengthy post.

"The Department of War has engaged in good-faith negotiations with the Pentagon Press Association, maintaining open dialogue with its members and accepting many of their suggested edits," he wrote, using the unofficial name rebrand Trump declared by executive order earlier this year. "Even the New York Times has recognized the Department’s accommodating approach. Congress has made clear that unauthorized release of sensitive information by DOW personnel is a crime. Our policy is also clear: soliciting DOW service members and civilians to commit crimes is strictly prohibited."

He also disputed the idea that the new rules were a significant burden to reporters.

"Despite many statements to the contrary, journalists are not required to clear stories with us, they retain robust access to our public affairs offices, the briefing room, and the ability to ask questions, which we continue to answer thoroughly," Parnell continued. "They can also move freely throughout the building. In sensitive areas where they can’t, they’ll simply need an escort."

This explanation did not sit well with Washington Post correspondent Tara Copp, who had a ready response.

"@SeanParnellASW I never thought I’d need to remind an American public affairs official of the very thing we at the @PressClubDC remind governments like Myanmar: Journalism is not a crime," wrote Copp. "Your statement below — 'Beyond their displeasure at no longer being permitted to solicit criminal acts…' is irresponsible, false and dangerous."