The Pentagon is tightening its rules for journalists covering the military. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced these new restrictions in a memo released on Friday, May 23, 2025. The changes significantly limit where reporters can go within the Pentagon complex in Arlington, Virginia.
Under the new policies, many areas will be off-limits to reporters unless they are accompanied by a government escort. This includes the offices of Hegseth, his senior aides, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Historically, journalists have had access to these areas during both Republican and Democratic administrations.
Hegseth, a former FOX News host, explained that the new measures aim to protect national security. He stated, "While the Department remains committed to transparency, we also need to protect classified information, the disclosure of which could endanger U.S. service members."
The Pentagon Press Association, which represents military journalists, expressed strong concern about the new rules. They called the memo a "direct attack on the freedom of the press" and emphasized the public’s right to know what the military is doing.
The National Press Club also criticized the changes. Its president, Mike Balsamo, stated that restricting access does not enhance national security; instead, it undermines public trust.
These restrictions are part of a broader trend by the White House to limit media access. Earlier this year, the Defense Department removed several major news outlets from their dedicated workspaces at the Pentagon. In February, the White House also revoked the White House Correspondents’ Association’s ability to manage media coverage of President Trump at events with limited space.
Hegseth’s memo indicates that journalists will soon need to fill out a form detailing their responsibilities and will receive new credentials with clearer identifiers. This process will be under "enhanced scrutiny." He also hinted that more security measures could be on the way.