For subscribers

News analysis

Pentagon’s Pete Hegseth declares war on US media, but new rules could backfire

Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox

Reporters carry their belongings from the Pentagon on October 15, 2025, after news outlets declined to sign new media rules. PHOTO: AFP

Reporters carrying their belongings from the Pentagon on Oct 15, after news outlets declined to sign off on the new media rules.

PHOTO: AFP

Follow topic:

AUSTIN – The

newly renamed Department of War

has declared war on the media.

And the press – the pro-establishment Fox News included – has joined the battle by refusing to obey highly restrictive rules, which essentially demand that reporters surrender their right to report.

See more on