Pentagon bars journalists from press office, saying it's become a 'classified space'
Summary
The Pentagon has declared its press office a classified area and barred journalists from entering. This change is because speechwriters who work with secret information now use the space, making it off-limits to the media.Key Facts
- The Pentagon press office is now a classified space called a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF).
- Speechwriters who use classified material share the press office, leading to the new restrictions.
- Journalists were previously allowed wide access inside the Pentagon to report on military affairs.
- In October 2025, most news outlets gave up their Pentagon access badges in protest of new government rules.
- The New York Times sued the Defense Department twice over restrictions requiring journalists to be escorted inside the Pentagon, citing First Amendment concerns.
- A judge ruled against some Pentagon rules limiting media access, but new policies requiring escorts for reporters remain during ongoing legal appeals.
- The Pentagon says the changes are not controversial and are for security reasons.
- These developments come amid strained relations between the media and President Donald Trump’s administration.
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