The Defense Department’s highest priority is national security, including the protection of classified national intelligence information (CNSI) and sensitive, unclassified information such as those deemed to be critical for operations security (OPSEC), the memo stated.
“While the Department remains committed to transparency, the Department is equally obligated to protect CNSI and sensitive information—the unauthorized disclosure of which could put the lives of U.S. Service members in danger.”
As such, Hegseth directed that new control measures be put in place for press members who are issued a Pentagon Facilities Alternate Credential (PFAC) card, which provides access to the Pentagon. These rules are “effective immediately.”
Press members are now barred from entry or access to the office spaces of the secretary of defense and the joint staff without first securing official approval, as well as escort personnel. Access to the Pentagon Athletic Center is also prohibited.
Unauthorized, unescorted access in the Pentagon will only be available in certain areas.
If a press member requires access to other areas or offices within the Pentagon to conduct in-person interviews or other engagement, they must be formally escorted to and from these locations by DOD personnel from the respective offices or departments.
Members of the press tasked with covering the Pentagon shall be required to complete an updated briefing over the coming weeks that lays out their responsibilities regarding protecting classified national intelligence information and sensitive details.
A new style of PFAC with a clearer “PRESS” identifier on the badge shall be issued for the press. Additional security measures and enhanced scrutiny on PFAC issuance are also expected.
If any member of the press fails to comply with the new control measures, it will result in “further restrictions and possibly revocation of press credentials,” said the memo.
The Pentagon Press Association, a membership organization representing the interests of the press corps covering the U.S. military, said the new rules appeared to be a “direct attack on the freedom of the press.”
“The decision is purportedly based on concerns about operational security. But the Pentagon Press Corps has had access to non-secured, unclassified spaces in the Pentagon for decades, under Republican and Democratic administrations, including in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, without any concern about OPSEC from DOD leadership,” the statement said.
“Up until now, the press could wander all around the Pentagon with no oversight,” he said. The new requirements are “pragmatic changes to protect operational security & ultimately brings the Pentagon in line with other government buildings.”
Protecting Government Information
The new restrictions at the Pentagon are one of the latest measures implemented by the Trump administration to boost the security of government secrets and prevent leaks.“Safeguarding classified, privileged, and other sensitive information is essential to effective governance and law enforcement,” the memo said. “Federal government employees intentionally leaking sensitive information to the media undermines the ability of the Department of Justice to uphold the rule of law, protect civil rights, and keep America safe. This conduct is illegal and wrong, and it must stop.”
As such, Bondi rescinded previous Attorney General Merrick Garland’s policies that prohibited the DOJ from “seeking records and compelling testimony from members of the news media in order to identify and punish the source of improper leaks.”
Under the new policy, news media “must answer subpoenas” issued by the DOJ. The agency may also use court orders and search warrants to compel members of the news media to testify or produce information.
