Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered sweeping restrictions on Pentagon communication with Congress, marking one of the sharpest shifts in military oversight under President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to a five-page memo obtained by NBC News, Hegseth and Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg directed all Pentagon personnel — including senior officials like the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff — to seek approval from the Office of Legislative Affairs before contacting lawmakers or their staff.
The Defense Department is significantly changing its policy of interacting with Congress, according to a new, five-page memo obtained by NBC News.https://t.co/di1WzwJgsv
— NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) October 22, 2025
The rule, effective immediately, excludes only the inspector general’s office.
The move follows Hegseth’s recent clampdown on Pentagon press access, which prompted dozens of reporters to leave after refusing to sign restrictive new guidelines.
Democrats condemned the policy as a dangerous step toward secrecy. Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) said the memo reflected “paranoia” within the Defense Department, while Republican Sen. Roger Wicker declined comment.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
