Pentagon blocks reporters from press office, citing privacy for speechwriters

The Pentagon announced a change in policy Monday in which they will block reporters from accessing its press office by turning it into a classified space, so that speechwriters can use it privately. The Pentagon has now designated the War Department’s public affairs office, where reporters have been able to approach military public affairs officials without escorts and ask questions, as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility.
Pentagon spokesperson Joel Valdez said the change is to make room for speechwriters who handle sensitive material and that access to the Pentagon’s press secretary and Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs remain available by appointment.
“This is the most transparent War Department in history. No amount of spin from the Fake News media will change that,” Valdez said in a post on X. “These speechwriters routinely handle classified material and require SIPRNet access. As a result, journalists will no longer be permitted to enter the office space. There’s nothing controversial about that.”
The move comes after War Secretary Pete Hegseth placed a set of restrictions on reporters at the Pentagon last October, including the ability to revoke passes of reporters it designates as security risks. 
The New York Times has sued the Pentagon twice over the restrictions, alleging they violate the First Amendment right to free speech. The two lawsuits are still making their way through the court system.
The Pentagon also changed protocols for its media briefing room in March that includes the relocation of reporters to workspace outside the Pentagon. 
Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage. 

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