Defense Secretary Hegseth Limits Pentagon-Congress Communication, Sparking Oversight Concerns

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a directive requiring all Department of Defense personnel, except the inspector general's office, to obtain approval from the Pentagon's central legislative affairs office before communicating with Congress or state officials. This policy aims to ensure consistent messaging and support for the department's priorities, including re-establishing deterrence and rebuilding the military, but it has sparked significant backlash from both Democratic and some Republican lawmakers who view it as an impediment to congressional oversight and transparency. Critics argue that the move could be illegal and undermines the democratic principle of legislative scrutiny over the Pentagon, which manages a massive budget funded by taxpayers. The directive is part of a broader effort by Hegseth, who has also tightened press access to the Pentagon, to control information flow and reduce leaks. Some GOP senators who initially supported Hegseth are reportedly regretting their votes due to these restrictive measures. The policy reflects a shift in the Pentagon's approach to congressional relations under the Trump administration, which has rebranded the Defense Department as the Department of War to emphasize a "warrior ethos."