Milei Administration Blocks Journalist Access to Casa Rosada

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the administration of Argentine President Javier Milei formally blocked approximately 60 accredited journalists from entering the Casa Rosada presidential palace, escalating a long-standing conflict with the press.

The Incident

Accredited reporters who normally access the building via biometric sensors found their fingerprint access deactivated without prior warning. While the government clarified that their formal accreditations had not been revoked, the removal of access was termed a "preventative measure".

Verified Justification

The ban was triggered by a criminal complaint filed by the Casa Militar (the presidential security unit) against two journalists from the local network Todo Noticias (TN).

The Allegation: The journalists were accused of "illegal espionage" for allegedly using "smart glasses" to record unauthorized footage of sensitive areas, including footage of Cabinet Chief Manuel Adorni.

Security Concerns: Communications Secretary Javier Lanari stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the measure was essential to "guarantee national security".

Escalating Rhetoric

Following the broadcast of the footage, President Milei used his social media to label the journalists "disgusting trash" and "criminals". He challenged the broader press corps to defend the actions of the two accused reporters, whom he claimed represented a "filthy scum".

Legal and Institutional Reactions

Democratic Precedent: Press freedom organizations, including the Buenos Aires Press Union (SiPreBA), condemned the blanket ban as an unprecedented attack on the press since Argentina's return to democracy in 1983.

Legal Challenges: Representative Marcela Pagano, a former journalist, filed a criminal complaint against the administration, arguing the Casa Rosada is a public building and the ban constitutes a step toward "silencing any dissenting voice".

Media Statements: Accredited journalists released a joint statement calling the move an "explicit attack on the public's right to access information".