WASHINGTON, March 23 - The Pentagon has adjusted its media access procedures in response to a federal court order, the Department of Defense said on Monday as it moves forward with an appeal.
In a statement posted on X, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said, "The Department always complies with court orders but disagrees with the decision and is pursuing an appeal." Parnell added that the revisions to media policy are effective immediately.
Under the modified guidance, entry to the Pentagon by members of the press will require an escort provided by authorized Defense Department personnel. The change formalizes an escort requirement for all journalists seeking access to Pentagon facilities.
As part of the immediate adjustments, the Pentagon announced the closure of the "Correspondents' Corridor." Officials said a new press workspace will be set up outside the Pentagon building, though it will remain on Pentagon grounds. The department indicated the space will be opened once it is ready.
The revisions follow a federal judge's decision on Friday to block the Trump administration's previous Pentagon press access policy. That policy had included measures that the court found restrictive, and which could have resulted in journalists being designated as security risks if they pursued information not authorized for public release.
The department's public statement describes the current actions as a compliance measure with the court order, while simultaneously noting the department's intent to challenge the ruling through the appeals process. The statement did not provide a timeline for the appeal or for when the new press workspace will be available.
This procedural shift affects how reporters will interact with Pentagon personnel on-site and changes the physical arrangements for media operations at the Defense Department complex. The department's announcement focuses on adherence to the court's direction combined with a formal objection through legal channels.
Summary
The Pentagon has implemented a revised media access policy after a judge blocked a prior, more restrictive policy. The revisions - effective immediately - require escorts for journalists, close the Correspondents' Corridor, and relocate the press workspace to a site outside the main Pentagon building but still on the grounds. The department said it will comply with the court order while appealing the decision.