President Javier Milei’s administration in Argentina has suspended journalist access to the presidential palace Casa Rosada on Thursday, claiming concerns about “illegal espionage” activities.
Government spokesperson Javier Lanari announced the decision on X, explaining that fingerprint access systems for reporters had been disabled as a “preventative measure” following a military complaint.
“The sole purpose is to ensure national security,” Lanari stated.
The action came one day after Milei posted photographs of two reporters from local TV station TN on social media, calling them “DISGUSTING TRASH.”
“I would love to see those filthy scum who carry journalist credentials, (95%) come out to defend what these two criminals did,” Milei wrote, apparently referring to footage the television network broadcast showing Cabinet Chief Manuel Adorni walking through Casa Rosada corridors.
A Reuters correspondent who regularly covers stories from the presidential palace confirmed being denied entry Thursday morning.
Since assuming office in December 2023, Milei has maintained an antagonistic relationship with news media, frequently engaging in public disputes with reporters through social media posts and during interviews. Press freedom organizations have expressed alarm about the deteriorating relationship between his administration and journalists.
