Pentagon Declares Press Office a Classified Area, Restricting Media Access

Washington-The Pentagon has barred journalists from entering its press office after redesignating the space as a classified facility, citing the presence of speechwriters who routinely handle sensitive information.

Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez said the office had been converted into a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), making it inaccessible to members of the media.

The move comes amid ongoing disputes between news organizations and the Trump administration over media access to the Defense Department. Several outlets have challenged Pentagon restrictions in court, including policies requiring journalists to be escorted while inside the building.

Media organizations argue the measures hinder independent reporting, while Pentagon officials say the restrictions are necessary to protect classified information.