Pentagon imposes further restrictions on journalist access

On Monday, Pentagon spokesperson Joel Valdez announced that the office area formerly known as the Correspondents’ Corridor will now be designated as a controlled space. This decision prevents journalists from entering the section, citing the presence of staff involved in speechwriting and the handling of classified documents. Reporters are also now required to be accompanied by officials when moving outside of specifically designated zones within the building. These measures follow a series of restrictions implemented since Donald Trump returned to the White House on January 20, 2025. In October 2024, the Pentagon issued a directive requiring prior approval for certain information, which faced significant backlash from international media organizations. Although a federal judge ruled in March 2025 that parts of the department's accreditation policy violated the US Constitution, the Pentagon has proceeded with these additional operational restrictions. The department maintains that the changes are necessary for security, while media watchdogs argue the move further undermines press freedom.