Judge Orders Pentagon to Restore Press Access Amid Policy Dispute
A federal judge has ruled that the Pentagon violated a court order by restricting journalists' access, mandating immediate restoration of press credentials.
A federal judge has determined that the Department of Defense is in violation of a previous court order requiring the restoration of press access to the Pentagon. U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman criticized the Pentagon's actions, stating, "The Department cannot simply reinstate an unlawful policy under the guise of taking 'new' action and expect the Court to look the other way."
In October 2025, the Pentagon implemented a policy allowing the revocation of press credentials for journalists soliciting unauthorized information. This led to a lawsuit by The New York Times, resulting in Judge Friedman's March 20, 2026, ruling that the policy violated constitutional protections for free speech and due process. Despite this, the Pentagon introduced a revised policy requiring journalists to be escorted within the building, prompting further legal challenges.
The Pentagon Press Association, representing multiple news organizations, has expressed concern that the new policy continues to infringe upon press freedoms. The Department of Defense has indicated plans to appeal Judge Friedman's decisions.