The Pentagon has restricted journalists' access following a dispute with the media

This was reported by the Associated Press, citing Joel Valdez, the acting Pentagon press secretary.

The US Department of Defence has restricted journalists’ access to the Pentagon press office. The department stated that the premises had been reclassified as a restricted-access facility.

The Pentagon explained that this was because speechwriters from the US Secretary of Defence’s office now work in the building. According to Joel Valdez, they regularly handle classified material, so journalists will no longer be allowed into the press office.

Valdez stated that there is “nothing controversial” about this decision.

The Pentagon’s conflict with the media

The decision was taken following a prolonged deterioration in relations between the Pentagon, the American media and the administration of US President Donald Trump.

Previously, journalists had held passes for years that allowed them to be inside the Pentagon building and to contact officials from the defence department.

However, in October 2025, most reporters working at the Pentagon handed in their passes and left the building. They objected to the new restrictions on the press introduced by US Defence Secretary Pete Hagseth.

The Associated Press notes that this was part of a broader policy to restrict journalists’ access to the Pentagon during Trump’s second administration.

Lawsuits by The New York Times

In May 2026, The New York Times filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Defence for the second time in five months.

The publication is challenging a requirement that journalists may only be on Pentagon premises when accompanied by an escort. The NYT argues that such a policy violates the First Amendment to the US Constitution and hinders independent coverage of military affairs.

In March 2026, a federal judge had already ruled that the Pentagon’s previous restrictions violated the rights to freedom of the press and due process.

At the same time, the Court of Appeal allowed the requirement for journalists to be escorted to remain in force temporarily while the government’s appeal is being considered. The appeal process is ongoing.

What has changed for the media

Due to the new policy, some of the leading US media outlets have lost their permanent presence at the Pentagon.

Journalists from key publications continue to cover the activities of the US armed forces, but now mainly from outside the defence department building.

The Associated Press reports that, following the refusal of many major media outlets to accept the new rules, a different press corps has formed at the Pentagon. It consists mainly of right-wing and pro-Trump media outlets and media personalities.

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