Defence secretary Pete Hegseth implemented strict press restrictions at the Pentagon, requiring government escorts for journalists in previously accessible areas.In a significant policy shift announced late Friday, defense secretary Pete Hegseth implemented strict press restrictions at the Pentagon, requiring government escorts for journalists in previously accessible areas.The new measures affect spaces including his office, service branch press offices, and areas occupied by top military officials.Access to joint chiefs chairman Gen. Dan Caine’s office and other senior military leadership spaces now requires Hegseth’s explicit approval and staff escort. This marks a departure from the historically open relationship between military leadership and journalists.Hegseth, who previously worked at Fox News Channel, issued an order and posted on X post before a holiday weekend, citing national security concerns. He stated, “While the department remains committed to transparency, the department is equally obligated to protect (classified intelligence information) and sensitive information, the unauthorized disclosure of which could put the lives of US service members in danger.”The Pentagon press association challenged this rationale, viewing it as an assault on press freedom. They released a statement Friday night expressing serious concerns about restricting journalists’ movement in non-secured, unclassified areas.Additional measures include mandatory forms for protecting sensitive information and new press identification badges. Recent security breaches, including leaked information about a planned Elon Musk briefing and an accidental Signal chat inclusion of The Atlantic’s editor, preceded these changes.The Trump administration has taken several measures affecting press access, including FCC investigations into major networks and legal disputes with The Associated Press. Despite increased access for conservative media, Trump has maintained frequent press interactions.Hegseth’s tenure has seen limited press engagement, with only one Pentagon briefing since January 20. The administration has also reduced media presence by removing office space from prominent news organisations including The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN and NBC.
