Published on October 16, 2025 • 3-minute read
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On Wednesday, reporters collectively walked out of the Pentagon after returning their press credentials in protest of new reporting restrictions imposed by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. According to an internal government document reviewed by The Washington Post, only 15 individuals had agreed to the Defense Department’s revised press policy by Thursday afternoon.
Journalists from nearly all major U.S. news organizations, including The Washington Post, surrendered their press badges after refusing to comply with the new regulations, which prevent reporters from seeking information that has not been authorized by the government. However, a group of smaller outlets, foreign media, freelancers, and right-leaning press members did choose to sign the policy.
Among the signatories were four reporters from conservative outlets: one from The Federalist, one from the Epoch Times, and two from One America News (OAN). OAN’s president, Charles Herring, stated that after a thorough review by their legal team, the network’s staff decided to sign the document.
The Federalist did not respond to requests for comment. However, CEO Sean Davis and editor-in-chief Mollie Hemingway expressed on X that they found “zero new restrictions” on journalists’ ability to report or critique the government. They stated, “We look forward to covering the Pentagon with the same fearlessness and commitment to truth that we have always demonstrated. If the new guidelines lead to fewer professional con artists and media hoaxers in the halls, then so be it.”
The Federalist, Epoch Times, and OAN diverged from the majority of conservative media outlets, including Fox News, Newsmax, the Washington Examiner, the Washington Times, and the Daily Caller, all of which opted not to sign the new policy. Newsmax, led by Christopher Ruddy, a long-time ally of former President Donald Trump, also rejected the new guidelines.