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.

The media will also be barred from offices of the Pentagon’s senior military leadership, including Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, without Hegseth’s approval and an escort from his aides. The staff of the Joint Chiefs has traditionally maintained a good relationship with the press.

The sharp words from the Pentagon Press Association came after Hegseth announced “additional credentialing procedures for press at the Pentagon in the interest of national security.”