The Pentagon said Friday night it will sharply curtail social media posts across the Defense Department for the next 10 days to “refocus” the military’s messaging around President Trump’s policy priorities.

The memo to senior Pentagon leaders said all components, from military bases to combatant commands, must suspend social media posts from Saturday through Feb. 3, though there are significant exceptions to the new rules. 

In the memo, a defense official said the move is designed to reorient the Pentagon “around its core missions of keeping America safe, fielding the most lethal force on the planet, and fighting and winning wars.”

There are notable exceptions to the new policy. Defense Department components are free to post about U.S. military efforts to secure the southern border. In fact, the memo says, “this is top priority for the department.”

The policy also does not affect posts related to day-to-day operations at military bases and other installations.

The document was released to the media just hours before former Fox TV host Pete Hegseth was narrowly confirmed by the Senate as the next secretary of defense. The memo was signed by Defense Department Chief of Staff Joe Kasper.

The social media restrictions appear to be part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to move away from messaging centered on diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, and other such initiatives that critics say illustrate the military’s move to the political left in recent years.

Officials said the Pentagon will share additional guidance about social media engagement early next month.

• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.