US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced new limitations on media access to the Pentagon, requiring journalists to be officially approved and escorted in a majority of the building. The directive, which takes effect immediately, is intended to prevent the disclosure of sensitive or secret information, Reuters reported.

Hegseth stated that maintaining national security and operational integrity is a primary responsibility. The Pentagon Press Association condemned the action, calling it a threat to press freedom and pointing out that comparable limits were never imposed following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, when the Pentagon was targeted by hijacked American Airlines Flight 77.

The move comes as part of a broader assault on leaks by the Trump administration, which includes investigations, polygraph exams for federal employees, and a reshuffling of media access that has favored conservative outlets. Legacy media outlets such as CNN and The New York Times have been evicted from Pentagon offices in favor of OANN and Breitbart, according to Reuters.

Journalists will now be required to acknowledge their responsibility to protect sensitive information and will be issued new press credentials.