Trump admin says press must comply

UNITED STATES

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US President Donald Trump in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday.

(REUTERS)

US President Donald Trump's administration is imposing new restrictions on media coverage of the US military, requiring news organisations to agree they will not disclose information that the government has not approved for release.

In a memo on Friday, the Department of Defence said journalists who publish unauthorised sensitive material could have their press credentials revoked.

Media advocates said the restrictions would stifle independent reporting.

Asked by reporters outside the White House whether the Pentagon should be in charge of what the press can report, Mr Trump replied on Sunday, “No, I don’t think so. Nothing stops reporters.” Mr Trump was not specifically asked about the new policy.

The memo said news organisations will be required to acknowledge that disclosing, accessing or attempting to access sensitive information without authorisation could be grounds for having their Pentagon press credentials denied or revoked.