Pentagon issues global social media pause with exceptions for border operations

US Department of Defence (DOD) has implemented a global pause on all official social media accounts, effective, with the notable exception of posts related to US military operations at the US-Mexico border.

The directive aims to ensure that DOD social media content aligns with President Donald Trump’s priorities concerning readiness, lethality, and warfighting, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

A senior defence official, speaking anonymously, explained that the pause applies to all DOD social media platforms, with case-by-case exceptions made for posts that are necessary to address emergency situations or communicate essential command information. However, the order does not apply to content regarding US military operations at the southern border, where Trump declared a national emergency earlier this week.

In response to the emergency declaration, Acting Defence Secretary Robert Salesses confirmed the deployment of 1,500 troops to the border, including helicopters and intelligence analysts, as part of ongoing operations. The social media moratorium is expected to remain in effect until Trump’s nominee for defence secretary is confirmed and provides further direction, according to multiple unnamed defence officials.

The Pentagon’s decision mirrors a similar action by Acting Health and Human Services Secretary Dorothy Fink, who also instituted a pause on communications across various platforms through January 31, pending approval by political appointees.

Several DOD units, including US Army Garrison Hawaii and US Forces Korea, confirmed receipt of the directive, while others, such as the III Marine Expeditionary Force and US Naval Forces Japan, referred queries to the Office of the Secretary of Defence.

In exceptional cases, such as issues that could affect the safety of personnel, the US Army Garrison Hawaii indicated it would continue to use social media to inform soldiers and their families.

The Pentagon’s social media directive is expected to remain in place for several days while DOD officials review and issue new guidance for military and civilian spokespeople across the department.

By Vafa Guliyeva