First Thing: Defense department bars reporters from Pentagon press room

The Defense Department has barred journalists from its Pentagon press office, designating it a classified space. This move, part of sweeping restrictions initiated in September, has led to many reporters refusing to comply and turning in their press passes. The department claims this is the "most transparent war department in history," despite a federal judge ruling in favor of The New York Times' lawsuit against these policies. Separately, President Trump is reportedly reconsidering a nearly $2 billion "Maga slush fund" due to legal setbacks and concerns over a lack of oversight. Trump also claimed Hezbollah and Israel agreed to a mutual de-escalation of fighting, though reports from the warring parties suggest otherwise.

The US Department of Defense has barred journalists from its press office, a move described by media freedom advocates as an effort to curtail independent reporting on the military. Acting Pentagon Press Secretary Joel Valdez stated the office was re-designated a "Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility" because speechwriters there handle classified information and require secure network access. Consequently, journalists are no longer permitted to enter the office space, with access to the Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs and the Press Secretary now available by appointment only. This decision follows previous actions by the administration to restrict media access, including a March decision to no longer allow media outlets to maintain offices at the Pentagon and a policy requiring official escorts for journalists within the complex.

The Pentagon has barred journalists from entering its press office, designating it a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility. This decision, confirmed by acting defense department press secretary Jose Valdez, is attributed to speechwriters from the Office of the Secretary of War sharing the space and handling classified material. Valdez stated that journalists will no longer be permitted entry because of this designation. This action follows a series of restrictions on press access implemented by the defense department, including requiring journalists to pledge not to gather unauthorized information or risk losing their press passes. These moves have led to legal challenges from news organizations like The New York Times, arguing that the policies hinder independent reporting on military affairs.

The Pentagon has declared its press office a classified space, barring journalists from entry. Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez confirmed the move, stating it's due to speechwriters who handle classified material now occupying the area. This decision follows a series of restrictions on media access and escalating tensions between the media and the Trump administration. Previously, reporters had broad access to the press office, but last October, many news outlets protested new government-imposed restrictions by leaving the Pentagon. The New York Times has filed a second lawsuit against the Defense Department, challenging a policy requiring journalists to be escorted at all times on Pentagon grounds as a violation of the First Amendment. This escort policy remains in place pending an ongoing appeals process.