Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth slammed for ‘direct attack’ on press; press association raises transparency concerns 

Pete Hegseth slammed for ‘direct attack’ against military reporters

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing criticism from the military reporters after his office announced extra restrictions to media access at the Pentagon. The reports have argued that the restrictions appeared to be a “direct attack on the freedom of the press and America’s right to know what its military is doing.”

The Pentagon Press Association condemned the decision after the Hegseth announced “additional credentialing procedures for press at the Pentagon in the interest of national security" reports CNN. The steps taken are part of the Pentagon building off-limits to journalists unless they had an official escort.

Hegseth announced the that additional credentialing procedures would soon be implemented for the press at the Pentagon “in the interest of national security.”

A Pentagon memo also indicated that more limitations could be implemented in the coming weeks. Officials stated that these steps are meant to better shield sensitive military information. Notably, the Friday policy shift reflects a pattern of media restrictions introduced during President Donald Trump’s administration.

Former news anchor Hegsteh facing backlash

The new security protocols, also include additional screening procedures and tightened access for members of the press. Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's chief spokesperson, described the new rules on X as “pragmatic,” stating they are necessary to safeguard operational security.

However, the press corps expressed concern, highlighting that journalists have traditionally been allowed in “non-secured, unclassified spaces in the Pentagon for decades” — a practice maintained by both Republican and Democratic administrations, even in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, during which a plane hit the building, resulting in the deaths of all 64 passengers and 125 personnel inside.

Dan Lamothe, military correspondent for The Washington Post, was among those taken aback by the announcement from Pentagon Press Secretary Pete Hegseth.

“’The most transparent DoD in U.S. history,’ as Hegseth and his team calls itself, cracks down on media access again,” Lamothe wrote.

“I've been on this beat 17 years through numerous administrations,” he added. “Never seen anything like this. One briefing all year. None again this week.”

“Transparency isn’t a threat. Independent reporting on national security isn’t a luxury. It’s democracy,” said National Press Club president Mike Balsamo. “The Pentagon’s new media policy undermines transparency and the public’s right to know.”

Additionally, Hegseth has yet to hold a single press briefing during his first 100 days in office. He remains under sharp criticism for reportedly sharing sensitive information about military operations in a Signal messaging group — a chat that, unintentionally, included a journalist.