 "Hegseth triggers massive backlash with new press policy: He sends goodbye emoji to those opposing it")
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has chided media houses for not abiding by a new press policy, responding to social media posts made by journalists rejecting the framework by using a goodbye handwave emoji.
US media outlets like The Associated Press, Reuters, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, CNN and NPR have all refused to sign paperwork that says that journalists understand the new rules around Pentagon access.
Hegseth replied to multiple critical posts, among them one from The Atlantic, which stated its strong opposition to the new restrictions, by simply posting a goodbye emoji.
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) October 13, 2025
He used the same emoji in response to a statement from The Washington Post, which argued that the policy threatens First Amendment rights by imposing undue limitations on the ability to collect and report news.
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) October 13, 2025
What are the new rules for journos?
While the draft rules from the Pentagon technically do not bar journalists from investigating defence-related matters, publishing or reporting them, they deem a reporter “a security or safety risk” should they even ask DOD personnel for such information.
The Pentagon defines solicitation to include requests for tips or efforts to encourage military personnel to share non-public information, a common practice among journalists, especially in the absence of regular Defense Department news briefings.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe Pentagon Press Association last week said that the Pentagon chief and other officials are “systematically limiting access to information about the US military” since the start of the year.
Even some right-leaning news outlets have pushed back against the policy, including the Washington Times and Newsmax. The latter stated that it believes the requirements “are unnecessary and onerous,” adding that its reporters “won’t sign.”
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