The U.S. Defense Department, led by Secretary Pete Hegseth, has introduced new media restrictions that significantly limit journalists' access to the Pentagon. The changes require media representatives to be escorted by government officials in many previously accessible areas, including the offices of key military leadership. Hegseth cites national security as the reason for these restrictions, despite historical precedents allowing greater press access. Journalistic organizations have condemned these policies as detrimental to press freedom, arguing it hampers transparency and public trust in government operations.
While the Department remains committed to transparency, the Department is equally obligated to protect [classified national intelligence information] and sensitive information the unauthorized disclosure of which could put the lives of U.S. Service members in danger.
There is no way to sugarcoat it. Today's memo by Secretary Hegseth appears to be a direct attack on the freedom of the press and America's right to know what its military is doing.
Restricting access doesn't protect national security. It undermines public trust.
The restrictions are the latest step by the White House to limit access for journalists and to tightly control the news reporting of journalists covering the Trump administration.
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