Pentagon bars journalists from its press office, saying it has become a ‘classified space’
Summary
The Pentagon has made its press office a classified area, barring journalists from entering because speechwriters who handle secret information now work there. This change adds to ongoing tensions between the U.S. media and the Pentagon over restrictions on reporters’ access inside the building.Key Facts
- The Pentagon press office is now designated as a classified space called a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF).
- Speechwriters using classified material share this office space, leading to journalists being excluded.
- Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez said the decision is routine and not controversial.
- Journalists previously had broad access inside the Pentagon to meet press officials.
- In October 2024, many news organizations gave up their Pentagon badges to protest government limits on their work.
- The New York Times has filed two lawsuits against the Pentagon over rules requiring journalists to be escorted inside the building, arguing it violates the First Amendment.
- A federal judge ruled some Pentagon restrictions unconstitutional, but certain escort rules remain while appeals proceed.
- The news reflects rising conflicts between the Trump administration and the media concerning press freedom and military reporting.
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