Journalists assigned to the Pentagon complained recently about lack of access to Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, only to be told they were filing inaccurate reports. Pentagon press spokesperson Dana White also told reporters they were being watched. Reporters are convinced the Pentagon is restricting access for individual reporters for filing stories they don’t like. (Politico, August 16, 2018, by Jason Schwartz)
Journalists complained last year that Defense Secretary James Mattis was cutting back on coverage by reducing the number of reporters allowed to travel with the secretary. After spending the time to obtain visas and make personal plans, reporters were barred from an August trip to the Middle Ease at the last minute. Mattis has also provided fewer appearances than previous secretaries in formal and on camera circumstances. (Politico, September 9, 2017, by Jason Schwartz)