Pentagon tightens controls – employees require approval for contacts with Congress

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered Pentagon staff to obtain approval before communicating with members of Congress. This is according to a memorandum dated October 15, which was first published by the organization Breaking Defense.

The memorandum emphasizes that effective implementation of legislative goals requires coordinated and consistent communication with Congress. The goal is to support the department's priorities, including modernizing the armed forces, deterrence, and strengthening military morale.

President Donald Trump announced that he would rename the Department of Defense the “Department of War,” but the change will not become official until it is approved by Congress.

“This memorandum is a pragmatic step toward internal review of the department's communication processes with Congress,” said Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell. “This review concerns internal departmental procedures and does not change how or from whom Congress receives information.”

This is another step by the administration to tighten control over the flow of information from the Department of Defense.

The stricter access rules for the media have also drawn criticism. Several journalists left the Pentagon after new regulations restricting their accreditation came into effect.

(reuters, max)