Pentagon adopts new press restrictions after court order against previous limits

Under the revised policy, all journalists’ access to the Pentagon will require escort by authorised Defence Department personnel. Read more at straitstimes.com.

WASHINGTON - The US Defence Department said on March 23 it was adopting new restrictions on journalists, after a court blocked a previous press access policy, and would close an indoor workspace in favour of an area on grounds outside the main Pentagon building.

Press freedom advocates have criticised policy changes under President Donald Trump’s administration that have limited journalists’ access to the Pentagon, saying they suppress freedom of speech.

On March 20, a federal judge blocked the press access changes implemented by the Pentagon in 2025, which threatened journalists with being ​branded security risks if they seek information not authorised for public release.

“The Department always complies with court orders but disagrees with the decision and is pursuing an appeal,” spokesman Sean Parnell said on March 23 in a statement, adding that revised restrictions would be effective immediately.

Under the revised policy, all journalists’ access to the Pentagon will require escort by authorised Defence Department personnel.

The “Correspondents’ Corridor” at the Pentagon, where journalists have worked for years, was being closed immediately and a new press workspace will be established on grounds outside the main building, and will be available when ready, the Defence Department added.