Pentagon Converts Press Office to Classified SCIF Citing Shared Speechwriter Space, Ends Unescorted Reporter Access

The Pentagon has barred reporters from entering its press office and redesignated the facility a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, ending long-standing direct access to military public affairs officials. The change requires journalists to follow new procedures for information previously obtained through unescorted visits.

The Defense Department’s public affairs office had functioned for years as an open workspace where reporters could approach officials without escorts.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has repeatedly curtailed journalists’ access inside the building, according to The New York Times. The redesignation stems from speechwriters from the Office of the Secretary of War sharing the same facility, Jose Valdez, the acting defense department press secretary, said. “This is the most transparent war department in history.

No amount of spin from the Fake News media will change that,” Valdez posted on social media. The restrictions affect daily interactions between Pentagon officials and the press corps. Reporters must now arrange meetings or submit written queries rather than walk into the office for immediate answers.