LEFT SIDE
Freedom Dies in The Voices of The Silenced
Mikaela McGonigle
The Pentagon’s recent restrictions on journalists illustrate a direct violation of the First Amendment, limiting reporters' ability to exercise their constitutional right to inform the American public about the government's actions. The First Amendment fundamentally protects the rights of journalists, which encompasses not only the ability to report but also the right to gather information.
The newly implemented restrictions from the Pentagon, announced by Pete Hegseth (who, by the way, is like totally the worst), directly contradict their fundamental rights by making threats to eliminate their press badges. This information supports the claim that the new limitations provide the full capability for the Trump Administration to block stories it disapproves of.
By definition, this is censorship.
The American right to a free press serves as a check on government corruption, abuse, and secrecy. With the Pentagon restricting access to solicit, obtain, or publish any information without approval, it completely reduces transparency and can enable potential cover-ups. Historically, U.S administrations have invoked “national security” to stifle freedom of press access, and this is exactly what the embarrassment of the Trump administration is attempting to conduct. These new restrictions follow the pattern of an incoming dictatorship; the government is limiting unwanted news coverage, imposing selective access, and punishing journalists who criticize and challenge the current administration. This strengthens the government's ability to control the narrative, avoid scrutiny, and conceal acts unwanted to be acknowledged by the public. The restrictions could have a devastating, long-lasting effect on the American press. Even if not all reporters lose access, many will self-censor to avoid punishments imposed by the Pentagon, ultimately sanitizing essential news content.
If the American government, more importantly, the Trump administration, gets away with this, what’s to stop other agencies from imposing similar restrictions? Furthermore, if the press is silenced today, who will speak for the public of tomorrow?
