New Pentagon security measures seen as an attack on the freedom of the press

Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense, implemented security measures related to the press. Credentialed reporters are now banned from most areas of the Pentagon. Members of the press wanting to access these banned areas need to obtain official approval. Once approval is received, the journalist must be escorted. Hegseth implemented these measures to improve security for intelligence and classified materials. The Pentagon Press Association criticized these measures as an attack on the freedom of the press.

From Fox News:

The new rules ban credentialed reporters from most of the Department of Defense headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, without official approval and escort, Hegseth said in a memorandum.

Hegseth described the protection of classified national intelligence information and sensitive unclassified information on operational security as “an unwavering imperative for the Department.”

“While the Department remains committed to transparency, the Department is equally obligated to protect [Classified National Security Information] and sensitive information – the unauthorized disclosure of which could put the lives of U.S. Service members in danger,” the secretary said.

Hegseth’s order will also soon require members of the Pentagon press corps to sign a form acknowledging their responsibility to protect national intelligence and sensitive information. Journalists will also be issued new badges that clearly identify them as members of the press.

Additional Reading:

Mion, L. (2025, May 24). Hegseth hits Pentagon press with stricter orders on credentials in order to protect ‘national security’. Fox News. Link.

Category: Big Pentagon, Media