Pentagon Tightens Communication Controls With Congress

The U.S. Department of Defense has issued a new policy requiring Pentagon staff to secure permission before engaging with Congress. This move, endorsed by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, aims to manage information flow and align legislative goals. The policy has generated attention amid recent press access restrictions.

The U.S. Department of Defense has instituted a new policy directing Pentagon personnel to get authorization before engaging with Congress members, as confirmed by congressional sources and an internal memo.

This strategy, first reported by Breaking Defense, underscores the department's focus on regulating information flow concerning the military's operations. The directive, dated October 15, emphasizes the importance of a coordinated approach in communications to align with legislative objectives.

Although Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth leads this effort, the department has yet to comment. Meanwhile, journalists covering the Pentagon are facing new limitations, having surrendered their credentials following tightened restrictions on press access.

(With inputs from agencies.)