Today marks the deadline for journalists to decide whether to comply with the Defense Department's

new rules, a requirement for keeping the credentials that allow them to access the Pentagon.

The Pentagon's chief spokesperson has described the new policy as common sense, but virtually

every news organization, to include PBS News, has refused to sign it, arguing that it infringes on First Amendment protections.

Where there was a historic outcome, I want to start with that real quick.

For decades, reporters have held building passes that let them freely enter the Pentagon

to attend press briefings, meet with officials, and talk with sources as they report on the

Defense Department. But now, in order to keep those credentials, the Trump administration is requiring journalists

to comply with a policy that says reporters cannot solicit or obtain any information the Defense

Department does not explicitly authorize.

Doing so, the Pentagon says, would be a criminal act and would not be considered protected

activity under the First Amendment.

It follows Sean Parnell, the Defense Department's chief spokesperson posting on social media.

Despite many statements to the contrary, journalists are not required to clear stories with

us.

They retain robust access to our public affairs offices,

the briefing room, and the ability to ask questions, which we continue to answer thoroughly.

The only change is an overdue update to our credentialing process, which hasn't been revised

in years, if not decades, to align with modern security standards. Access to the Pentagon is a privilege, not a right.

Today at the White House, the Defense Secretary defended the new policy.

It used to be, Mr. President, the press could go anywhere, pretty much anywhere in the Pentagon.

The most classified area in the world.

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