Additional Coverage:
- Hegseth hits Pentagon press with stricter orders on credentials in order to protect ‘national security’ (foxnews.com)
Pentagon Tightens Access for Journalists, Citing Security Concerns
In a move sparking controversy, the Department of Defense announced new restrictions Friday on journalist access within the Pentagon. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a memorandum outlining the changes, which require reporters to obtain official approval and an escort to access most areas of the building.
Hegseth emphasized the department’s “unwavering imperative” to protect classified and sensitive information, citing the potential risk to military personnel if such information were disclosed. The new regulations also mandate that journalists sign a form acknowledging their responsibility to safeguard national intelligence and sensitive information. New press badges will be issued as well.
The Pentagon Press Association, representing the press corps covering the military, criticized the new restrictions as a “direct attack on the freedom of the press.” They pointed to decades of precedent allowing journalists access to unclassified areas of the Pentagon, even following the September 11th attacks, without similar security concerns being raised.
These changes follow several other recent moves by the Pentagon impacting media access. Last month, three officials were fired following a leak investigation.
Additionally, a new rotation system for office spaces within the building has seen several established news organizations vacate their offices, replaced by other outlets. The department stated this rotation aims to provide access opportunities to a wider range of media organizations.
Coupled with the administration’s increased use of lie detector tests to investigate leaks at federal agencies, these actions highlight a growing tension between the Trump administration and the press. The White House has stated that President Trump will not tolerate leaks and that leakers will be held accountable.