‘The worst thing to do’: Pentagon press policy only hurts Secy. Hegseth, says Joe

Press Freedom & Transparency - The Pentagon's new press policy restricts press access and allows the Defense Secretary to revoke access for reporters seeking unapproved information, raising concerns about transparency and public accountability [1] - The Pentagon Press Association, representing over 50 outlets, protested the new media policy, viewing it as a threat to national security reporting and press freedom [1] - One American News Network appears to be the only outlet that publicly stated it has signed the Pentagon policy [1] Government & Media Relations - The administration's actions are viewed as an assault against the freedom of the press and freedom of speech [1] - The Secretary of Defense is perceived as thin-skinned and overly protective of his image, leading to the curtailment of press freedoms [1] - Engaging with the press, even when facing tough or unfair coverage, is crucial for effective communication and projecting confidence [5][6] - A new generation views the press as a risk to be avoided rather than an opportunity to be seized, which is a fundamental mistake [8] Political Strategy & Media Engagement - Politicians should embrace media engagement and be available for comment, rather than avoiding scrutiny [13][14] - Politicians need to be present and accessible across various media platforms to effectively communicate with the public [12] - Treating the press as an opportunity rather than a threat is essential for effective governance and public communication [9][10]