In a significant shift towards limiting press freedoms, the Pentagon has classified its press office, imposing new restrictions that require journalists to pledge not to gather unauthorized information. This move, which began in September, has drawn criticism from many reporters who have chosen to return their press passes in protest. Joel Valdez, the acting defense department press secretary, defended the actions, claiming the Pentagon is the 'most transparent war department in history.' The New York Times has responded by suing the Pentagon, successfully challenging the designation of journalists as 'security risks' in a ruling made by a federal judge in March. Amidst these changes, the Pentagon introduced a 'next generation' press corps, which notably includes journalists from far-right media outlets. The ongoing tensions illustrate the struggle between the Trump administration and the media, raising concerns about the future of press freedom in the United States.