Pentagon bars journalists from press office

The Pentagon has barred journalists from entering its press office, redesignating it as a classified space. This action, confirmed by Acting Pentagon Press Secretary Joel Valdez, is attributed to speechwriters for Secretary of War Pete Hegseth routinely handling classified information within the office. Journalists will no longer have routine access to the area, which has historically served as a central point for media interaction with Pentagon officials. Access to senior public affairs officials will still be available by appointment. This move represents the latest in a series of restrictions on reporters' access to the department under Hegseth, who has accused major media outlets of spreading "fake news." Previous restrictions have included escort requirements and limits on access to previously open areas. Major US news outlets refused to sign an agreement requiring journalists to pledge not to seek unauthorized information, leading hundreds of reporters to surrender their credentials. Lawsuits have been filed challenging these policies, with a federal judge previously striking down key parts of a prior policy, though the Pentagon appealed and introduced interim escort requirements.