The association representing journalists who cover the U.S. Department of Defense on Wednesday condemned a new press access policy that could see reporters lose their access as early as next week, a development that would constrain the media¡¯s ability to cover the world¡¯s most powerful military.

The Pentagon Press Association¡¯s statement followed negotiations between the department and media outlets that resulted in the Pentagon revising some of its initial demands.

¡°The policy conveys an unprecedented message of intimidation to everyone within the DoD, warning against any unapproved interactions with the press and even suggesting it¡¯s criminal to speak without express permission ¡ª which plainly, it is not,¡± the Pentagon Press Association wrote.