More curtailing of free speech from the Trump regime
Quote:
Pentagon orders journalists to agree to new reporting rules - or be barred
The move has sparked outrage from journalists' groups, with one calling it "a dangerous step toward government censorship".
Journalists at the Pentagon have been told they could be barred if they gather or report information that officials haven't approved first.
Reporters' access to the iconic building, the headquarters of the US defence department, is also being curtailed.
A memo announcing the changes was sent to reporters on Friday, informing them "information must be approved for public release by an appropriate authorizing official before it is released, even if it is unclassified".
They must sign an agreement agreeing to the new rules or face having their press pass revoked.
Journalists' groups said it was a dangerous move that would seriously restrict their ability to hold defence officials to account.
The National Press Club called it "a direct assault on independent journalism at the very place where independent scrutiny matters most: the US military".
The Society of Professional Journalists said it "would deny the American people the transparency and accountability they deserve".
"This policy reeks of prior restraint - the most egregious violation of press freedom under the First Amendment - and is a dangerous step toward government censorship," it said.
"Attempts to silence the press under the guise of 'security' are part of a disturbing pattern of growing government hostility toward transparency and democratic norms."
The defence department - which recently rebranded itself as the Department of War - said it "remains committed to transparency to promote accountability and public trust".
However, it stated that disclosing information - even if unclassified - without consent was a potential national security risk.
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https://news.sky.com/story/pentagon-...arred-13435347
As to why Trump might be doing this:
- In March, a journalist was accidentally included on a group chat, which included the defence secretary and vice president, discussing plans to attack Houthi rebels in Yemen.
- A leaked intelligence report suggested that the US's bombing of Iran had only set its nuclear weapon plans back by months.