|
The Washington Post reported on June 1 that the U.S. Department of Defense (War Department), which has tightened controls on media access, has moved to restrict reporters’ entry to its press office.
According to the Post, the DoD has designated the press office a secure area, barring free entry. Reporters must now make appointments in advance to meet with press officers.
The department began tightening media controls after Secretary Pete Hegseth took office in January of last year.
In October, the DoD required reporters to sign an agreement warning that their credentials could be revoked if they reported on classified or controlled unclassified information without authorization. Reporters protested, surrendered their access badges and vacated the press room.
The New York Times sued the department over the policy, and in March a court ruled the DoD had violated free-speech protections under the First Amendment.
The DoD appealed, and subsequently introduced new policies, including closing the main building’s press room and requiring staff to escort reporters.
The department says the move followed an organizational reshuffle that relocated speechwriters into the press office. Because those speechwriters handle classified material, they require access to the classified network (SIPRNet).
The DoD said the press office was designated a compartmented facility for sensitive information because speechwriters assigned to the secretary’s office now share the space, and that, as a result, journalists can no longer enter the area.
The Washington Post noted the DoD’s actions stand in contrast with those of the State Department under Marco Rubio and the White House under President Donald Trump.
Unlike the DoD, the State Department and the White House continue to allow reporters access and regularly engage with them, maintaining an open approach to the press.
Most Commented