Overview

• Journalists are now barred from accessing key Pentagon areas, including the offices of senior officials and the athletic center, without prior approval and an official escort.
• New press credentials will clearly label reporters as members of the press, and journalists must sign forms acknowledging responsibilities to safeguard sensitive information.
• Hegseth justified the measures as necessary to prevent leaks and protect classified and sensitive information that could endanger U.S. service members.
• The Pentagon Press Association condemned the restrictions as a direct attack on press freedom, emphasizing the long-standing access journalists have had to unclassified areas.
• The restrictions follow months of leak investigations and prior actions to limit press access, including reassigning office spaces to media outlets more favorable to the Trump administration.