Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cracks down on Pentagon staff speaking to Congress

(CNN, KYMA) - The Pentagon has barred nearly all Defense Department personnel, including military commanders, from talking to Congress or state lawmakers, according to a memo last week by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The memo states military officials must have received prior approval to interact with Congress, and said unauthorized engagements could undermine Defense Department priorities.

The directive applies to the civilian leaders of each military branch, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, all combatant commanders and Defense Intelligence offices.

The only exception is for the Pentagon Inspector General Office, the agency’s internal watchdog.