Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued new restrictions on press operations at the Pentagon, limiting access to senior military leadership and other sensitive areas.
Details of the Memo
- Date of Memo: July 23
- Key Restrictions:
- Reporters must obtain Hegseth’s approval and be escorted by his aides to enter offices of senior military leadership.
- Access to non-secured hallways within unclassified spaces throughout Defense Department facilities worldwide is prohibited.
Hegseth cited national security concerns as the reason for these restrictions, stating, "These changes are necessary to protect classified intelligence information that could put US service members in danger if disclosed."
Concerns Raised
Some have questioned whether operational concerns are genuinely behind these measures, pointing to previous actions by Hegseth’s office that impede journalists and their coverage.
Pentagon Press Association’s Response
The Pentagon Press Association expressed skepticism about Hegseth’s reasons for restricting access:
- "There is no way to sugarcoat it. Today’s memo by Secretary Hegseth appears to be a direct attack on freedom of speech and America’s right to know what its military is doing."
- They emphasized the detrimental impact of these restrictions on their ability to perform their jobs effectively.
Access Protocols
According to sources familiar with the matter, reporters will still have access through secured doors into restricted locations but will not be allowed inside unless cleared by officials or escorted by someone who has been cleared.
History of Restrictions
This is not the first time Hegseth has restricted press access at the Pentagon:
- In 2022, he banned cameras from being used during news conferences with foreign leaders after a reporter questioned President Joe Biden’s mental fitness during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Camp David.
- He also restricted media availability after meetings with top officials, including Chairman of Joint Chiefs Gen Mark Milley.
- Strict rules were imposed on when reporters can ask questions during news conferences held outside Washington D.C., requiring written questions to be submitted ahead of time.
Future Implications
It remains unclear whether these new restrictions will face any legal challenges or pushback from lawmakers.
- A spokesperson for House Armed Services Committee Chair Rep Jim Costa (D-Calif.) declined to comment.
- A spokesperson for Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Sen Jack Reed (D-R.I.) did not respond immediately.
- Sen Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), ranking member on SASC’s personnel subcommittee overseeing DoD public affairs operations, also did not respond immediately.
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