Introduction
In early October 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth instated a new policy requiring journalists working out of the Pentagon to receive approval before publishing any story that included non-classified information. Information subject to this requirement could include any information that might embarrass the Department of Defense, reveal corruption at the Pentagon, or both. In response, journalists from nearly every outlet with offices in the Pentagon staged a walk out and are covering the Department of Defense from a different location.
A4SC Resources
The below resources include relevant videos and lesson plans from our content library that will help contextualize this current event within broader, more enduring, concepts.
First Amendment: The Great Five! – This video explains the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which enshrines the freedom of the press and four other key rights of individuals in a democratic society.
The Trial of Socrates: Free Speech on Trial – This video explores a historical example of criminalizing speech.
Discussion Questions
- Can journalists still report on the Department of Defense if they are unable to work at the Pentagon? What might the key challenges be?
- Do you think the walkout was Secretary Hegseth’s preferred outcome? Why or why not?
Activity
Have students split up into groups of four to five and create an additional clause of the First Amendment. Have each group present their change as well as justify their reasons for making that decision.
Additional Resources
- First Amendment
- Bauder, David. “Journalists turn in access badges, exit Pentagon rather than agree to new reporting rules”
Associated Press, 15 October 2025
https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-press-access-hegseth-trump-restrictions-5d9c2a63e4e03b91fc1546bb09ffbf12 - Baragona, Justin. “Only 15 reporters remain in Pentagon after press pledge prompted walkouts. This is who they are”
The Independent, 19 October 2025
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/only-15-reporters-remain-pentagon-165143345.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAHfXmVPIGjXnqutgrRIISdKRFjnNIziQU-ftzC0v-4uhuoT960vxS71D1XICz3hJ_rr3OVD6–8lY7nu-29VxARo5z8dCbAreaZgE_W2PinJmmHp2RVooU13mj5SSwNhvftkgaiT9RNFCMCSutJZinmbZ4vplllOtTtHyBPDeMEs - Berger, Eric. “Pentagon names new press corps from far-right outlets after reporter walkout”
The Guardian, 22 October 2025
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/22/pentagon-press-corps
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