The rules, introduced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and backed by President Donald Trump, would allow expulsion of reporters who publish unapproved information|U.S. Secretary of War

Dozens of journalists walked out of the Pentagon on Wednesday after refusing to sign new government-imposed restrictions that limit how they report on the US military.

By a 4 p.m. deadline, nearly 50 journalists turned in their badges and carried their belongings out of the building. Major outlets, including The New York Times, ABC, NBC, CNN, Reuters, and The Washington Post, unanimously rejected the new policy.

Only One America News Network, a far-right outlet known for favorable coverage of the administration, agreed to sign.

Introduced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and backed by President Donald Trump, the rules would allow expulsion of reporters who publish unapproved information. Hegseth defended the move as “common sense,” calling the press “disruptive.”

The policy allows journalists to report on unclassified military information but labels any solicitation of sensitive details as a potential security risk. Reporters say this could criminalize standard reporting practices and stifle accountability.

The Pentagon’s rules follow months of restricted access, including desk removals, limited hallway movement, and canceled briefings.

Reporters vowed to continue covering the military from outside the Pentagon.