Pentagon Bars Journalists From Its Press Office

NEW YORK (AP) — The Defense Department has declared its press office a classified space, barring journalists from entry. It was yet another move restricting journalists’ access to Pentagon officials. Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez confirmed the move on X, stating it was due to speechwriters handling classified material in the space. Valdez emphasized there was “nothing controversial” about the decision. This change comes amid rising tensions between the U.S. media and the second Trump administration. Last October, many reporters turned in access badges over new restrictions. The New York Times has sued the Defense Department twice, arguing these restrictions violate the First Amendment.