New measures announced by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses will restrict news media access to the Pentagon, requiring official approval and departmental escorts.
This decision comes amidst concerns over recent leaks, prompting Hegses to emphasize the need for safeguarding classified military information. The memo highlights:
The department prioritizes transparency but is equally determined to protect sensitive national intelligence. Unauthorized leaks can jeopardize the safety of U.S. service members.
These restrictions will affect areas previously accessible to the media, including offices of the Secretary of Defense and the top military branches, as well as the building’s athletic center.
Hegses’s directive mandates that members of the Pentagon Press Corps acknowledge their responsibility for safeguarding sensitive information. Reportedly, new identification badges will also be issued to clearly denote media personnel.
The Pentagon Press Association quickly criticized the new rules, expressing concern over operational security. They noted that the press had longstanding access to the Pentagon under both Republican and Democratic administrations, even post-September 11, 2001.
While the decision cites operational security, it’s worth mentioning that media access has been largely unproblematic for many years.
The National Press Club echoed these sentiments, labeling the changes as detrimental to transparency and public engagement.
These new protocols follow a number of leaks and the dismissal of at least three staff members. Reports suggest that two senior advisors were recently placed on administrative leave. An investigation into these leaks has been initiated by Pentagon Chief of Staff Joe Casper.
This action coincided with media reports, including one from the New York Times, detailing attempts to discuss military strategies at the Pentagon.
Notably, Jeffrey Goldberg from the Atlantic was included in a group chat where sensitive military strike plans were discussed.
A former national security advisor lost his access due to related mishaps, resulting in his reassignment as a UN ambassador.
Hegses’s alterations align with a broader set of changes that began during the Trump administration, which also saw various news organizations receive different levels of access at the Pentagon.
Earlier this year, certain mainstream outlets, including the New York Times and CNN, were allotted more space within the building, with an aim to diversify news representation.
