The State of Press Freedom: What Recent Actions Mean for the First Amendment in America

On October 15, 2025, the United States government took an action that should concern every citizen who values the freedoms promised by the Constitution. The Department of Defense, under the leadership of Pete Hegseth, revoked the press credentials of nearly every major news outlet. Only one media organization, known for its alignment with the current regime, was allowed to remain. This decision was not the result of any misconduct. It was retaliation. Journalists refused to sign a policy that included the threat of prosecution for reporting on national security matters. In response, they were denied access.

This is not simply about media policy. This is about the First Amendment. This is about whether the right to a free and independent press still exists in the United States. When access to one of the most powerful institutions in the world is granted only to friendly outlets, the government is no longer being held accountable. The truth becomes whatever those in power decide it should be. That is not democracy. That is control.

The First Amendment was created for moments like this. It was designed to protect the press from government interference. It was meant to ensure that citizens would always have access to information, even when those in charge would prefer silence. What happened on October 15 is not a routine policy change. It is a direct challenge to that protection. It is a warning sign that must not be ignored. The journalists who refused to sign the policy chose to uphold the Constitution instead of compromising their responsibility to the public. They did their part. Now it is time for all of us to do ours. You can take action today in the following ways:

First, support independent journalism. Subscribe to news organizations that are committed to truth, transparency, and public service. Your subscription directly supports investigative reporting that holds powerful institutions accountable. If you are unable to subscribe, you can still support them by reading, sharing, and promoting their work. (Many independent journalists are available for free on Substack.)

Second, contact your elected representatives. Call their offices. Send emails, or write letters. Tell them you are watching. Demand that they speak out in defense of the First Amendment and press freedom. Urge them to take legislative steps to ensure that no journalist faces criminal penalties for doing their job.

Third, raise awareness within your community. Share this information with others. Speak about it on social media, in conversations, and in public forums. Encourage others to care. When people understand what is at stake, they are more likely to act.

Fourth, stay informed. Read from multiple credible sources. Do not rely on one narrative. Do not allow your understanding to be shaped by silence or propaganda. Knowledge is power, and informed citizens are the foundation of a free society.

Finally, do not remain silent. Silence is permission. Silence is acceptance. If we do not stand up now, the erosion of press freedom will continue. If we allow this moment to pass without resistance, we may not get another opportunity to reclaim what has been lost.

The First Amendment cannot protect itself. It was written for the people, and it must be defended by the people. The journalists who walked away from the Pentagon did so to protect your right to know. The question is whether you will stand with them. Support press freedom. Defend the Constitution. Act today, before the right to speak freely and to seek the truth becomes a memory instead of a right.

*Some suggested of the tons of independent journalists to get you started:

• Aaron Parnas

• Adam Mockler

• Keith Edwards

• Brian Tyler Cohen

• Tim Miller at The Bulwark

• I've Had It Girls: Jennifer Welch & Angie Sullivan

• Farron Balanced

• Under The Desk News

• Democracy Now

• Michael Popok (with Legal AF)

• Status Coup

• Jack Cocchiarella

• Daily Beast (with Michael Wolff & Joanna Coles)