Key facts
- The Pentagon has redesignated its press office as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF).
- Journalists are now barred from entering the Pentagon press office.
- The change is reportedly due to speechwriters handling classified material and requiring SIPRNet access.
- Reporters will still have access via scheduled appointments with the press secretary and Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs.
- This follows previous restrictions on media operations imposed in October.
The Pentagon announced it has redesignated its press office as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), effectively barring journalists from entering the space. This decision, according to Pentagon spokesman Joel Valdez, is necessary because speechwriters working in the office routinely handle classified material and require access to secure government systems like SIPRNet. Previously, journalists could enter the office without escorts and directly approach military public affairs officials. Valdez stated that reporters will still be able to access the Pentagon press secretary and the Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs through scheduled appointments. This policy change is the latest in a series of measures by the current administration to tighten operational security and reshape media access practices. In October, new rules were introduced allowing officials to revoke press credentials from reporters deemed security risks, leading The New York Times to file two lawsuits against the Pentagon, which are still pending.