Journalists who cover the Pentagon in the United States will have to sign a document committing to submit the reports to agents of the country’s Department of Defense before publication. Otherwise, professionals will have their suspended building access credentials.
The measure was criticized by organizations of journalists as an attack on freedom to the press. US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, replied stating that the “press does not command the Pentagon.”
The National Impress Club, an association that represents journalists in the US, said that The new measure is “a direct attack on independent journalismexactly where independent scrutiny matters most: in the US military ”.
Club president Mike Balsamo recalled that over several generations, Pentagon reporters provided the public information on how the wars are locked.
“This work was only possible because reporters were able to seek facts without the government’s permission,” Balsamo said, adding that, If the news needs to be approved by the government, the public can no longer receive independent reports.
“[O público] You are receiving only what the authorities want him to see. This should alarm all Americans. Independent reports on the Armed Forces are essential to democracy. This is what allows citizens to blame leaders and ensures that war and peace decisions are made in daylight, ”he added.
US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, countered criticism, saying that the one who runs the Pentagon is the “people,” not the press. “Use a badge and follow the rules – or go home,” said the head of the Trump government war department on a social network.
Violation of the constitution
The Freedom for the Press Foundation said this policy is “the most serious” violation of the first amendment of the US Constitution. “The government cannot prohibit journalists from publicizing public information simply by claiming that they are secret,” the organization said.
The new decision adds to other measures of the Trump government against the press. In May, the Trump government secretary had already adopted measures restricting the circulation of journalists by the Pentagon corridors, submitting the entry into areas previously allowed to prior authorization and escort.
Last week, The US President threatened to cancel licenses of radios and televisions that criticize the government. Already Disney ABC broadcaster removed the air of the presenter Jimmy Kimmel from Trump’s known critic after pressure from the White House.
