Either you have misunderstood something or I have. You absolutely do not need government permission to show the White House or to show war footage. You need go

Either you have misunderstood something or I have. You absolutely do not need government permission to show the White House or to show war footage. You need government permission to get to use their hardware for free. If I want b-roll of the White House I can just walk over there and record or buy some online. I don't have to ask anybody anything and the government doesn't get to see my script. If I want tanks or planes in a movie that has a script the government doesn't like, I can always use the hardware from a different country, from a state militia, or private owner - or CGI or get the props department to build one, etc. The government does have a subtle influence. If it's not important to your film, you may as well except minor edits and make the military look good - that way you get some expensive props for free (or for a small price). It's not as insidious as what you're describing though.