The Pentagon tightens restrictions on journalists again

On Tuesday, the US Department of Defense again tightened restrictions on journalists entering the press office in the Pentagon.

Defense Department Press Secretary Joel Valdez said on the “X” platform, “The Pentagon press office has been reclassified to become part of a sensitive information facility due to the involvement of letter writers from the Office of the Secretary of Defense.”

The Department of Defense now refers to itself as the Department of War, although legally the designation cannot be changed without congressional approval.

Valdez said speechwriters usually deal with classified content that requires access to the department’s encrypted computer network.

He added, “As a result, journalists can no longer enter the office.” He explained that access to Assistant Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will remain available “by appointment only.”