Pentagon Designates Press Office as Classified, Limits Unescorted Access

The Pentagon has barred reporters from entering the building’s press office and designated the facility as a classified space. The move ends long-standing access that allowed journalists to approach military public affairs officials without escorts and ask questions directly.

The Defense Department’s public affairs office had served as the location where reporters could enter freely to seek information.

The new restrictions limit that direct contact, which had been available for years. The change affects how journalists interact with Pentagon officials on a daily basis. Reporters must now navigate new procedures to obtain information that was previously available through in-person visits to the office.