The Pentagon has barred journalists from entering its press office, redesignating the space as classified. This move is seen as another blow to press freedom under the Trump administration.
New Restrictions on Press Access
The defense department began implementing restrictions in September, requiring journalists to pledge not to gather unauthorized information or risk losing press passes. Acting press secretary Joel Valdez claimed on social media: "This is the most transparent war department in history. No amount of spin from the Fake News media will change that." He cited that speechwriters from the Office of the Secretary of War shared the facility as the reason for the redesignation.
Media Reactions and Legal Challenges
In October, many longtime reporters refused to agree to the new terms and surrendered their press passes. The department then announced a "next generation of the Pentagon press corps" featuring 60 journalists from far-right outlets. The New York Times sued the Pentagon over these policies, which labeled journalists as "security risks," and a federal judge ruled in the Times's favor in March.
Other News Highlights
In related Trump administration news, a $1.8 billion fund to compensate Trump's allies faces legal hurdles, with a federal judge temporarily blocking transfers. Trump also claimed that Hezbollah and Israel agreed to mutual de-escalation, though both parties have made conflicting statements. Additionally, hackers infiltrated high-profile Instagram accounts using Meta's AI chatbot, and Google seeks permission to release sterilized mosquitoes in California and Florida.
