The Pentagon has barred journalists from entering its press office, redesignating the facility as a classified space that restricts access to an area reporters have used for years.

Acting Pentagon Press Secretary Jose Valdez confirmed the move on social media, stating that the office was redesignated as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility because speechwriters from the Office of the Secretary of Defense now share the space. "These speechwriters routinely handle classified material... as a result, journalists will no longer be permitted to enter the office space," Valdez wrote, calling the change routine and "nothing controversial."

The restriction represents the latest in a series of access limitations imposed on Pentagon reporters. In October, most news outlets turned in their access badges and left the Pentagon rather than agree to new government-imposed restrictions on their reporting activities. Previously, credentialed Pentagon reporters had broad access to move throughout the building to interact with press officials.

The New York Times has filed two federal lawsuits challenging the Pentagon's media restrictions. The newspaper sued in December over new rules implemented by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, then filed a second lawsuit in May arguing that requirements for journalists to be escorted at all times while in the Pentagon violate the First Amendment.

U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Friedman initially ruled against some Pentagon restrictions in March, but an appeals court has stayed part of his ruling while the government appeals the case. The escort policy remains in effect during the ongoing appeals process.

The press office designation change was first reported by The Washington Post as tensions continue between news organizations and the Defense Department over media access policies.