National Press Club President Mike Balsamo issued a statement today criticizing the Pentagon’s newly announced press restrictions, ordered by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Balsamo remarked, “This updated policy represents a significant departure from long-standing norms that carefully balanced operational security with essential press access. By limiting access to common areas, requiring escorts for movement, and complicating basic reporting activities, the Pentagon is making it more difficult for journalists to fulfill their duties and allowing power to operate with less oversight.”