Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes – "Hegseth Demanded They Sign a Pledge or Get Out. She Left."

Host: Joe Perdicone (The Bulwark)
Guest: Mallory Shelbourne (USNI News reporter, Board of Directors at Military Reporters & Editors)
Date: October 16, 2025

Brief Overview

This episode examines the Pentagon’s controversial decision to require reporters to sign a restrictive pledge in order to retain press access. Host Joe Perdicone and Pentagon reporter Mallory Shelbourne discuss the escalation of restrictions under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's tenure and the subsequent mass walkout by Pentagon reporters, exploring the implications for press freedom, journalistic practice, and institutional transparency.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Evolution of Pentagon Press Restrictions

• Increased Restrictions: Post-inauguration, the Pentagon leadership—under Hegseth—moved to restrict press access by rotating news outlets out of their workspaces and progressively tightening rules.
• Workspace vs. Badge: Print reporters retained building badges but lost workspace. TV networks (with technically complex booths) were more severely impacted.
• Escalation: Initial changes affected four outlets; after failed negotiations, four more were moved.
• Lack of Transparency: Regular Pentagon briefings diminished compared to other branches like the State Department and White House.
• Reporter Movement: A longstanding norm allowed free movement in unclassified spaces for relationship-building and responsive reporting—but not into classified spaces.

Notable quote:

"Reporters have only ever been able to access unclassified spaces. We have never been able to access classified spaces."
— Mallory Shelbourne, [02:00]

2. The Pledge: Content and Concerns

• Nature of the Pledge: Reporters were required to acknowledge that not only classified, but also sensitive unclassified reporting could "cause harm," and criminalized soliciting information (even via social media posts seeking tips).
• Legal Risk: This language raised major red flags among legal experts and newsrooms, potentially opening journalists up to prosecution—even for basic newsgathering activities.
• Contrast with Other Beats: In Congress, sensitive information is often intentionally leaked by members. The Pentagon’s stricter culture and this new policy represents a fundamental shift in approach to press relations.

Notable quote:

"This is really just basic functions of reporting that the guidance is seeking to, frankly, criminalize and prevent us from being able to do in the building."
— Mallory Shelbourne, [09:36]

3. Walkout and Reaction from the Press Corps

• Collective Action: By the Pentagon-imposed deadline, 30-50 reporters turned in their badges and left together.
• Professionalism: The walkout was calm; some had to hand in badges earlier due to schedules, but the mood was united and composed.
• Non-partisan Resistance: Even some conservative outlets (e.g., Daily Caller) refused to sign the pledge, underscoring broad industry alarm.

Notable quote:

“We all turned in our badges and we walked out together at 4 o’clock and that was it.”
— Mallory Shelbourne, [11:51]

Timestamps:

• Walkout logistics described: [11:51]–[12:47]
• Outlets’ responses to the pledge: [12:19]–[12:47]

4. Addressing Allegations of Bullying During Walkout

• Administration Claims: Stephen Chung (Trump admin official) alleged on social media that reporters were bullied into joining the walkout.
• Shelbourne's Response: She saw no evidence of coercion, describing the press corps as highly professional and supportive.

Notable quote:

“I’ve never seen anyone get bullied in the Pentagon press corps. So as far as I know, I did not see anything like that.”
— Mallory Shelbourne, [14:47]

5. Press Freedom, Future Outlook, and Adjusting Practices

• No Easy Path Back: Shelbourne expects that return to normal press access is unlikely soon; the job will become harder but not impossible, relying more on relationships and offsite meetings.
• Adaptation: Pentagon reporters, with years of experience and cultivated sources, will adjust their approach; “outside the building kind of work” will become more common.

Notable quote:

“It will be harder and our jobs will be different. But, you know, we’ll continue reporting on the military.”
— Mallory Shelbourne, [15:32]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the stakes of the new policy:
  "It can even result in the end of the publication. And that's why so many newsrooms have lawyers on retainer."
  — Joe Perdicone, [10:40]

• On the difference with the Capitol:
  "If a member of Congress tells you something, it's like they've declassified it, even if it maybe was classified at one point... That's not the case with admirals and generals."
  — Joe Perdicone, [10:40]

• On adjusting as a military reporter:
  “That’s just the name of the game. And, you know, other reporters who cover agencies are, you know, have to do that. And we’re going to adjust.”
  — Mallory Shelbourne, [15:46]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:01] – Background on new Pentagon restrictiveness
• [04:35] – Rep. Don Bacon’s pushback on “unfettered access”
• [08:38] – Detailed breakdown of the pledge’s requirements
• [11:51] – Description of the walkout by press corps
• [14:15] – Response to administration bullying allegation
• [15:15] – Future expectations for Pentagon reporting

Tone and Final Thoughts

Throughout the discussion, both host and guest maintain a professional, candid tone— neither alarmist nor complacent— while acknowledging the seriousness of the Pentagon’s new stance. Mallory Shelbourne’s explanations are measured and direct, emphasizing the professionalism of the press corps and the real-world impact of administrative overreach.

This episode is essential listening for anyone concerned about government transparency, national security reporting, and the future of press freedom in the United States.