Pentagon Restricts Press Access, Citing Security | JQJO

Pentagon implements new restrictions on press access, limiting journalists' movement within the complex unless accompanied by government escorts. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cited national security concerns, but the Pentagon Press Association and the National Press Club criticized the move as an attack on press freedom and detrimental to public trust. The restrictions affect access to areas including Hegseth's office and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reversing previous practice under both Republican and Democratic administrations. These measures follow previous actions by the White House limiting journalist access and control over news reporting.