Lamestream is crying foul after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced dramatic new measures to crack down on press access at the Pentagon.
Described as a way to protect America’s national security, the new restrictions require government escorts for journalists in areas previously accessible to them.
This bold move addresses concerns about unauthorized leaks that could put U.S. service members at risk.
Under the new rules, reporters must obtain official approval and escorts to enter large swaths of the Pentagon.
Restricted areas include Hegseth’s office, the offices of his top aides, and the press offices of all military branches.
Access to senior military leadership offices, including Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, now requires Hegseth’s personal approval.
Hegseth announced the changes via social media, emphasizing the top priority of protecting classified information.
Under the updated security measures, journalists must now sign forms acknowledging their responsibility to protect national intelligence and will receive new press badges.
The secretary explained the reasoning behind these changes in clear terms:
“While the Department remains committed to transparency, the Department is equally obligated to protect [Classified National Security Information] and sensitive information – the unauthorized disclosure of which could put the lives of U.S. Service members in danger.”
The timing of these restrictions follows several security incidents, including a false report about Elon Musk receiving a military briefing and a messaging app mishap involving Jeffrey Goldberg.
We’re announcing additional credentialing procedures for press at the Pentagon in the interest of national security. pic.twitter.com/2fQA4z7AsO
— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) May 23, 2025
The Trump administration has made it clear that it will not tolerate leaks that undermine national security.
In response, it will implement lie detector tests to investigate unauthorized disclosures, with serious job consequences for non-compliance.
Predictably, mainstream media outlets are objecting to the new security protocols.
The Pentagon Press Association criticized the restrictions as an attack on press freedom, claiming, “The decision is purportedly based on concerns about operational security.”
The statement suggests it doubts the genuine national security concerns motivating these changes.
The Pentagon has historically allowed journalists free access to non-secured areas, but the current administration is prioritizing security over media convenience.
Recent actions indicate a broader shift in media relations, including implementing a rotation system that provides greater access to outlets more supportive of the Trump administration’s America First policies.
The White House has also emphasized accountability for federal employees who leak information to the media.
Under the new framework, conservative media outlets have received increased access, while traditional mainstream media organizations face tighter restrictions.
This rebalancing addresses years of biased coverage and ensures Americans receive better reporting about critical defense matters affecting the nation’s security.
