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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Pete Hegseth imposes fresh restrictions on reporter access to Pentagon
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth imposed a new round of restrictions on news outlets that cover the Pentagon, declaring large portions of the building off-limits to reporters unless they have an escort. In a memo released Friday, Hegseth said he was imposing the restrictions to protect classified national intelligence information, or CNSI. Reporters will be required to complete a form that details their 'responsibilities to protect' that material and must be be escorted by credentialed staff in the building. 'While the Department remains committed to transparency, the Department is equally obligated to protect CNSI and sensitive information — the unauthorized disclosure of which could put the lives of US Service members in danger,' Hegseth said in the memo. Also Read He had come under fire in recent weeks for sharing details of a pending attack on Houthi militants in Yemen in two chats on Signal, an unsecured online platform, that included the editor in chief of The Atlantic. Hegseth denied sharing classified information. In February, Hegseth removed four news outlets including the New York Times from their Pentagon office space as part of a new media-rotation program. After reporters protested, the Pentagon removed another four. Hegseth has also cut back the news outlets allowed to travel with him on overseas trips and has yet to green-light regular briefings by his spokesperson. The latest move provoked protest from the Pentagon Press Association, which said it 'appears to be a direct attack on the freedom of the press and America's right to know what its military is doing.' 'Journalists working from the Pentagon everyday will now have less freedom of movement than officers from foreign countries who are assigned to the US military's headquarters, as well as maintenance staff and concessions workers scattered throughout one of the world's largest office buildings,' the association said in a statement. The Pentagon has been an outlier among government agencies for the wide-ranging access allowed to the media. Before Hegseth's memo, accredited Pentagon reporters had almost total access to the building's hallways. Most other agencies impose severe limits on media access to their headquarters. 'The Defense Department remains committed to transparency but must ensure that transparency is balanced with both physical and information security requirements throughout the Pentagon,' Sean Parnell, the department spokesman, said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon. 'These updated measures are a necessary step to protect sensitive information and to keep our US service members protected from preventable risks.'
Bloomberg
5 days ago
- General
- Bloomberg
Hegseth Imposes Fresh Limits on Reporter Access to the Pentagon
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth imposed a new round of restrictions on news outlets that cover the Pentagon, declaring large portions of the building off-limits to reporters unless they have an escort. In a memo released Friday, Hegseth said he was imposing the restrictions to protect classified national intelligence information, or CNSI. Reporters will be required to complete a form that details their 'responsibilities to protect' that material and must be be escorted by credentialed staff in the building.
Newsweek
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Pete Hegseth Faces Backlash For Pentagon Press Crackdown: 'Direct Attack'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing backlash after issuing orders on Friday restricting credentialed journalists from unescorted access to much of the Pentagon building. Newsweek contacted the Department of Defense press office for comment on Saturday via email. Why It Matters President Donald Trump has long had a tempestuous relationship with much of the news media, who he has previously accused of spreading "fake news" and being "the enemy of the people." In February the White House confirmed it had banned The Associated Press news agency from its press pool after the publication refused to go along with Trump's decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. What To Know On Friday Hegseth issued a memorandum containing "updated physical control measures for press/media" within the Pentagon complex. The document, which Hegseth shared on X, announced a number of changes designed to strengthen operational security and to "reduce the opportunities for in-person inadvertent and unauthorized disclosures." Hegseth's memorandum prohibits credentialed journalists from accessing large sections of the Pentagon unless they are accompanied by an authorized person. It also said "Pentagon Press Corps members will be required to complete an updated in-briefing form explaining their responsibilities to protect CNSI [classified national security information] and sensitive information." The move sparked a furious response from the Pentagon Press Association (PPA), which represents journalists working at the Pentagon. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attends a meeting between President Donald Trump and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store at the White House in Washington, D.C., on April 24, 2025. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attends a meeting between President Donald Trump and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store at the White House in Washington, D.C., on April 24, 2025. Chip Somodevilla/GETTY In a statement the PPA said: "There is no way to sugarcoat it. Today's memo by Secretary Hegseth appears to be a direct attack on the freedom of the press and America's right to know what its military is doing. "The Pentagon Press Association is extremely concerned by the decision to restrict movement of accredited journalists within the Pentagon through non-secured, unclassified hallways." The statement continued: "The decision is purportedly based on concerns about operational security. But the Pentagon Press Corps has had access to non-secured, unclassified spaces in the Pentagon for decades, under Republican and Democratic administrations, including in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, without any concern about OP-SEC from DoD leadership." The PPA added: "Journalists working from the Pentagon everyday will now have less freedom of movement than officers from foreign countries who are assigned to the U.S. military's headquarters, as well as maintenance staff and concession workers scattered throughout one of the world's largest office buildings." On X Idrees Ali, Reuters' national security correspondent based out of the Pentagon, commented: "As one individual put it, I'd have more access to the Pentagon if I quit as a journalist and worked at the Baskin-Robins that operates there." Separately the U.S. Army plans to update the records of transgender service personnel to reflect their sex at birth according to an internal memo acquired by Reuters. What Happens Next Hegseth's move should give the Department of Defense greater control over who is speaking to journalists in the Pentagon and about what. Critics will likely continue arguing this is an infringement on the free press.
Epoch Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Defense Secretary Imposes New Restrictions on Press Access to Pentagon
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered the implementation of new restrictions on press access within the Pentagon to better protect sensitive information, the Department of Defense (DOD) said in a May 23 The Defense Department's highest priority is national security, including the protection of classified national intelligence information (CNSI) and sensitive, unclassified information such as those deemed to be critical for operations security (OPSEC), the memo stated. 'While the Department remains committed to transparency, the Department is equally obligated to protect CNSI and sensitive information—the unauthorized disclosure of which could put the lives of U.S. Service members in danger.' As such, Hegseth directed that new control measures be put in place for press members who are issued a Pentagon Facilities Alternate Credential (PFAC) card, which provides access to the Pentagon. These rules are 'effective immediately.' Press members are now barred from entry or access to the office spaces of the secretary of defense and the joint staff without first securing official approval, as well as escort personnel. Access to the Pentagon Athletic Center is also prohibited. Unauthorized, unescorted access in the Pentagon will only be available in certain areas. Related Stories 5/20/2025 5/20/2025 If a press member requires access to other areas or offices within the Pentagon to conduct in-person interviews or other engagement, they must be formally escorted to and from these locations by DOD personnel from the respective offices or departments. Members of the press tasked with covering the Pentagon shall be required to complete an updated briefing over the coming weeks that lays out their responsibilities regarding protecting classified national intelligence information and sensitive details. A new style of PFAC with a clearer 'PRESS' identifier on the badge shall be issued for the press. Additional security measures and enhanced scrutiny on PFAC issuance are also expected. If any member of the press fails to comply with the new control measures, it will result in 'further restrictions and possibly revocation of press credentials,' said the memo. The Pentagon Press Association, a membership organization representing the interests of the press corps covering the U.S. military, said the new rules appeared to be a 'direct attack on the freedom of the press.' 'The decision is purportedly based on concerns about operational security. But the Pentagon Press Corps has had access to non-secured, unclassified spaces in the Pentagon for decades, under Republican and Democratic administrations, including in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, without any concern about OPSEC from DOD leadership,' the statement said. In a May 24 'Up until now, the press could wander all around the Pentagon with no oversight,' he said. The new requirements are 'pragmatic changes to protect operational security & ultimately brings the Pentagon in line with other government buildings.' The White House had 'The Associated Press continues to ignore the lawful geographic name change of the Gulf of America,' White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich said in a Protecting Government Information The new restrictions at the Pentagon are one of the latest measures implemented by the Trump administration to boost the security of government secrets and prevent leaks. On April 25, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a 'Safeguarding classified, privileged, and other sensitive information is essential to effective governance and law enforcement,' the memo said. 'Federal government employees intentionally leaking sensitive information to the media undermines the ability of the Department of Justice to uphold the rule of law, protect civil rights, and keep America safe. This conduct is illegal and wrong, and it must stop.' As such, Bondi rescinded previous Attorney General Merrick Garland's policies that prohibited the DOJ from 'seeking records and compelling testimony from members of the news media in order to identify and punish the source of improper leaks.' Under the new policy, news media 'must answer subpoenas' issued by the DOJ. The agency may also use court orders and search warrants to compel members of the news media to testify or produce information. Meanwhile, a Defense Department official Reuters contributed to the report.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Jeff Landry picks formerly indicted Jindal official to run Louisiana health department again
Gov. Jeff Landry has picked Bruce Greenstein, for health secretary of Louisiana. Greenstein is pictured here with former Vice President Mike Pence and President Donald Trump. () Gov. Jeff Landry has selected a former Gov. Bobby Jindal cabinet member who was charged with lying to a grand jury under oath to oversee billions of dollars of spending as the Louisiana Department of Health secretary. The Republican governor picked Bruce Greenstein, one of Landry's largest political donors who previously worked for Donald Trump, to run the state health department for a second time. In the position, Greenstein would oversee Louisiana's $21.4 billion health care budget, including its $19 billion Medicaid program. Greenstein first served as Louisiana health secretary under Jindal from 2010-13. He was forced out of the job after Jindal discovered the federal government was investigating Greenstein's role in the award of a nearly $200 million state Medicaid contract to Greenstein's previous employer, Client Network Services Inc. (CNSI). The federal government never brought charges against Greenstein, and the former health secretary was never convicted of a crime. A state grand jury indicted him on perjury charges, but Greenstein was never prosecuted on them. He repeatedly denied all wrongdoing at the time. The Illuminator first reported last week that Landry intended to pick Greenstein as his top health care official. Greenstein did not respond to calls or messages from a reporter sent to his cell phone in the hours before the announcement of his hiring Friday. 'Having served as Secretary of Health in Louisiana before, I know firsthand the unique challenges and opportunities our state faces,' Greenstein said in written statement provided by Landry's office. 'Now, as I step into this role again, I'm more committed than ever to building on the progress we've made and driving meaningful change.' In order for him to hold the job permanently, the Louisiana Senate will have to confirm Greenstein as health secretary during lawmakers' upcoming session that starts Monday. But Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, already expressed support for Greenstein in a press release sent from Landry's office. 'I applaud Governor Landry for this appointment, and I am confident Bruce will do a fantastic job,' Henry said in the written statement. Even though Jindal pushed Greenstein out of his job in 2013, the former Louisiana governor had nothing but praise last week for Landry's decision to hire Greenstein. 'Bruce would be a great choice. He has a great mix of private sector, federal and state experience. He would hit the ground running, and not need on the job training,' Jindal said in a written statement last Friday. 'He would work tirelessly to improve health outcomes and control costs.' Despite his legal troubles, Greenstein is an attractive hire for Landry because he is familiar with public health care financing, particularly Medicaid. Many people in Landry's administration do not have long-term experience in health care accounting, federal Medicaid regulations or the state budget. 'There is no one more qualified than Bruce,' Landry said in a written statement Friday. 'I look forward to the great work he, Doctor Abraham, and the entire LDH team will do for the State of Louisiana.' As the new secretary, Greenstein replaces Michael Harrington, a former hospital executive who held the top position at the health department for eight months before resigning in March. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A little over a decade ago, former Attorney General Buddy Caldwell convened the state grand jury that indicted Greenstein. He was charged with nine counts of perjury for allegedly lying to a Louisiana Senate committee and the grand jury about a state Medicaid contract with his former employer CNSI. Those state charges against Greenstein were eventually dropped by Landry after he beat Caldwell in the 2015 election for attorney general, a job Landry held for eight years before becoming governor. At the time, Landry's staff said they didn't think the state could meet the burden of proof to convict Greenstein. The prosecutor on the case, Caldwell's son, David, had left the attorney general's office shortly after Landry defeated his father in the election. CNSI, which changed its name to Acentra Health after a merger in 2023, also gave Landry's campaign and a Landry political action committee $52,500 during his race against Caldwell, according to campaign finance reports. Greenstein, who pleaded not guilty in the state perjury case, initially said he had very little contact with CNSI as the company bid for Louisiana's Medicaid business. An investigation later revealed Greenstein had exchanged hundreds of messages with its executives. He also recommended state officials adjust the terms of the state Medicaid bid, which allowed CNSI to meet the criteria and apply for the work. At the time, Greenstein defended himself by saying his exchanges with CNSI executives were mostly personal and that he never took a bribe from the company. He's good friends with some of his former CNSI coworkers, and the conversations were casual, he said. 'It never crossed my mind that my friends or my texts were with a company,' Greenstein told a grand jury in late 2014. After the charges were dropped, Greenstein went on to join Trump's administration as the chief technology officer at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In 2018, he left the federal government to become an executive at LHC Group, a Lafayette business that was, at the time, one of the country's largest home health care companies. The company has since been sold to UnitedHealth, a national insurance company that also manages one of Louisiana's Medicaid plans. LHC Group's founder and chief executive officer emeritus, Keith Myers, is one of the biggest political donors to Landry, with contributions totaling more than $600,000 to his campaigns and PACs since 2017. Brach Myers, Keith's son and another executive at LHC, is a state senator representing Lafayette. Though he was never convicted of a crime, Greenstein's legal troubles cost Louisiana money years after he left state government. Independent of the grand jury investigation, Jindal canceled Louisiana's contract with CNSI in 2013 on the grounds that Greenstein had inappropriate contact with the company during the state bid process. This resulted in CNSI suing Louisiana for wrongful termination, a legal dispute that dragged on for years until former Gov. John Bel Edwards settled with the company in 2016. Before the case was settled, CNSI's attorneys had sought depositions from several members of the Jindal administration, including now-Attorney General Liz Murrill. When the CNSI contract was canceled, Murrill was the general counsel for Jindal's commissioner of administration, Kristy Nichols, and involved in the decision to give CNSI the boot. Nichols is now an executive at Ochsner Health, Louisiana's largest hospital system. Despite his spotty past in state government, Landry has leaned on Greenstein for advice on health care policy for the past two years. Greenstein was one of 28 members on Landry's health care advisory council after he won the gubernatorial election in 2023. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
