U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegsett has approved new security measures that severely limit the movement of accredited journalists within the Pentagon building in Arlington, Virginia.
According to Reuters, under the new policy, reporters will no longer be allowed to access most areas of the Department of Defense headquarters without an official escort and special permission.
The decision marks one of the most restrictive media measures taken under President Donald Trump’s administration, justified on the grounds of protecting classified information and operational military security.
“The unauthorized release of such data could put the lives of our personnel at risk,” Secretary Hegsett stated.
However, the Pentagon Press Association has sharply criticized the move, calling it:
“A direct attack on press freedom.”
The organization warned that the restrictions could undermine independent and transparent reporting on critical national security and defense issues.
This policy comes amid broader concerns about media freedom and government transparency under the Trump administration, which has repeatedly clashed with the press throughout its tenure.
