A bold statement: Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy, and yet, today, NPR stands at a crossroads.
The Pentagon, a symbol of American military might, has imposed a new rule that threatens to silence the very journalists tasked with keeping the public informed. This rule, an unprecedented move by the Defense Department, warns journalists of potential press pass revocation for 'soliciting' unapproved information from federal employees.
But here's where it gets controversial: No major news outlet, be it NPR, the Washington Post, or even conservative media like the Washington Times and Newsmax, has signed this agreement. Why? Because it restricts their ability to do what journalists do best: uncover the truth.
For 28 years, I've held my Pentagon press pass, and during that time, I've embedded with troops in combat zones, walked the halls of the Pentagon, and built relationships with officers from around the world. I've solicited information, yes, but that's the essence of journalism. It's about questioning, investigating, and revealing the reality behind the official narratives.
Take, for instance, the fall of Baghdad in 2003. Then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld declared it a success, but an officer at the Pentagon confided in me that it was far from that. Saddam Hussein's supporters were attacking supply lines, and the U.S. had sent inadequate forces to Iraq, a warning I received unsolicited from another Army general before the war even began. My reporting shed light on the true challenges faced by U.S. troops, painting a picture far different from the official line.
Similarly, during the Obama administration's 'surge' of State Department employees to Afghanistan, a Marine officer told me months later that they never saw the promised surge. And the Afghan 'government in a box' initiative? It failed, as one general advised me to 'check the box' next time such a claim was made. I reported these stories, fulfilling my duty as a journalist.
Over the years, NPR reporters, producers, and photographers, including myself, have spent countless hours in combat zones, getting to know soldiers and Marines, hearing their perspectives, and sharing their stories. We've witnessed the truth on the ground, often contrasting sharply with the official narratives.
In June 2016, while embedded with Afghan forces to assess their progress against the Taliban, our team suffered a devastating loss. We were ambushed, and NPR lost two brave colleagues, photographer David Gilkey and translator Zabihullah Tammana. The U.S. general at the nearby base ordered an honor cordon for David and Zabi, a gesture usually reserved for fallen troops, a testament to their dedication to documenting the truth. It was a moment that moved me deeply.
Today, NPR's lobby holds a memorial to David and Zabi, including one of David's cameras, scorched and damaged, a reminder of the risks journalists take to bring the truth to light.
Our job is to uncover the truth, whether it's failed policies, botched military operations, or wasteful government projects. Yet, under the Trump administration, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has given just two briefings in 10 months. There have been virtually no background briefings, a stark contrast to previous administrations where Defense Department officials, like the acerbic Rumsfeld, held regular press briefings to keep the public informed.
Thomas Jefferson, despite his personal misgivings about the press, understood the importance of a free press to democracy. He wrote, 'our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.'
So, how will the American people learn about the decisions being made at the Pentagon, decisions that could impact their sons and daughters? With no reporters to ask questions, the Pentagon leadership seems content with social media posts, short videos, and partisan commentary. But is that enough? Shouldn't we demand more transparency and accountability from our government?
This is a call to action. We must stand up for the freedom of the press, for without it, our democracy is at risk. The American people deserve to know the truth, and it's up to us to ensure they get it.
