Hegseth is subject to and puts closer press restrictions on in Pentagon

Defense Minister Pete Hegseth, who was received by media leaks during his short term, has held the press, including the blocking of reporters, to enter wide areas of the Pentagon without a state escort – areas that are previously accessible according to previous administrations.

The newly restricted zones include Hegseth's office, that of his top helpers and all places where the army, the Air Force, the Navy, the Marine Corps and the Presseburos space force maintain in the massive Pentagon complex.

Access to the offices of high -ranking military leadership – including the general chairman of the common chief General Dan Caine – will now require the personal approval of Hegseth and accompanying his adjutants.

The employees of the common chiefs have maintained historically tight, transparent relationships with the press.

Hegseth, a former commentator for Fox News Channel, announced the new guideline for a contribution to X on Friday afternoon shortly before a holiday weekend. He justified the move as required for national security.

“While the department of transparency is still obliged, the department is equally obliged to protect [classified intelligence information] And sensitive information, which was not authorized, could endanger the life of the US service members, ”wrote Hegseth.

The Pentagon Press Association published a devastating answer and combined the change with a restrictions imposed by Hegseth's office, which has hindered access and reporting on the media.

“There is no way to gloss over it. Today's memo by secretary Hegseth seems to know a direct attack on freedom of the press and the right to know America what his military is doing,” said the association in a statement.

“The decision to limit the movement of accredited journalists within the Pentagon by unsettled, non -classified corridors is deeply worrying.”

Series of top -class leaks

According to the new rules, journalists also have to sign a form that is committed to protecting sensitive information and are issued new badges that they identify more precisely as members of the press.

It remains unclear whether the signing of the form for further access to the building is mandatory.

The decision follows a number of top -class leaks that embarrass the department.

Two months ago, The New York Times reported that the billionaire Elon Musk should receive a Pentagon briefing through emergency plans in the war with China.

The meeting never took place after President Donald Trump had committed commands, and Hegseth exposed two Pentagon officials until an investigation was carried out.

In another incident, Jeffrey Goldberg, editor -in -chief of The Atlanticwas accidentally added to a signal group chat in which Hegseth discussed military strikes in Yemen. Former national security advisor Mike Waltz took over and was re -assigned.

Since Trump returned to office, his government has taken a significantly aggressive attitude towards the media.

This includes FCC examinations for ABC, CBS and NBC messages as well as access restrictions for the associated press, which are currently the subject of a legal dispute.