The Pentagon has announced that its press office is now classified and inaccessible to journalists. Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez stated that the redesignation to a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility is due to speechwriters from the Office of the Secretary of War using the space, as they handle classified material. Valdez emphasized that there is 'nothing controversial' about this decision.
This change follows a series of restrictions on media access at the Pentagon, particularly during the Trump administration. Previously, Pentagon reporters had broad access to the building, but many outlets returned their access badges last October in response to imposed restrictions.
The New York Times has filed lawsuits against the Defense Department, arguing that the requirement for journalists to be escorted while on Pentagon grounds violates the First Amendment. The latest lawsuit was filed on May 18, following an earlier suit in December challenging new rules set by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. These rules included the escort requirement, which was implemented after a federal judge ruled against earlier restrictions. The appeals process regarding these policies is ongoing.
