BUENOS AIRES, Argentina: More than a week after the decision to block credentialed reporters from his government headquarters here, Argentina's President Javier Milei restored journalists' access to the building on May 4.

Most journalists said they were finally allowed back into the Casa Rosada (Argentina's "Pink House," similar to the White House) for the first time since April 23. However, two TV channels that had proper permission were still not allowed in, and new rules limited where reporters could go inside. Some hallways were closed, and windows were covered.

Last month, the government also shut down a press room that journalists had used for many years. This was seen as part of a series of actions against the media by President Javier Milei, whose attitude toward journalists is similar to that of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Journalists and media groups criticized these moves, calling them an attack on press freedom. Many groups, including businesses, the Catholic Church, and politicians, also spoke out against it.

Milei's Cabinet chief, Manuel Adorni, responded by saying the goal was not to exclude journalists but to restart the press room. He said the government supports press freedom but would not allow anything that could threaten national security.

Officials said the new restrictions were needed for security reasons. They accused one TV channel, Todo Noticias, of spying by secretly recording inside the building using smart glasses. The channel denied this, saying it had permission and that the footage showed areas already known to the public.

When asked why Todo Noticias and Channel 13 were still banned, Adorni said he did not know and that there should not be any restrictions.

The new rules include strict security checks, blocked hallways and stairs, covered windows, and a requirement that journalists hand in their press passes when leaving. Adorni said the government was following rules and not limiting free speech.

Meanwhile, Argentina's ranking for press freedom has dropped sharply, from 66 to 98, according to Reporters Without Borders. The group said there has been growing hostility and pressure on the media from governments like Milei's and El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele.

The report also said insults, defamation, and threats toward journalists have become common under Milei's government.

Milei has had serious conflicts with the media, unlike anything seen since Argentina returned to democracy in 1983. Recently, as his key policies on corruption and inflation have struggled, he has increased his criticism of journalists.

He often posts on social media that people "don't hate journalists enough."

On May 4, he again attacked critics, saying that in a free market, media outlets that publish false information should go out of business on their own.