US EditionJudge skeptical of Pentagon's restrictions on press access
The Pentagon's policy limits press freedom by requiring DoD authorization for reporting, causing over 30 news organizations to lose press access, raising constitutional concerns.
- On Friday, U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman heard arguments in Washington on the legality of Pentagon press restrictions in a New York Times lawsuit.
- Instituted in mid-2025, the 21-page Pentagon agreement requires prior authorization before publishing Pentagon-obtained material; in October, credentialed reporters turned in press badges after many outlets declined to sign.
- At least 30 news organizations, including the five major broadcast networks, declined to sign and relinquished Pentagon credentials; some reporters were later allowed back for briefings by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine.
- In court, Friedman warned DOJ lawyers that `Asking a question is not criminal` and asked both sides to respond by Monday before he rules on the policy.
- The Pentagon and Department of Justice defended the policy as protecting national security, while David Schulz, lawyer for the Pentagon Press Association, said `The press has always been in the building as soon as it opened`.
46 Articles
46 Articles
Judge seems skeptical of recent Pentagon policy restricting journalists' activities
A federal judge sharply questioned the government on Friday about a new Pentagon policy that places strict controls over what journalists can report if they wish to be allowed to continue working from inside the building. In a tense exchange, U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman for the District…
Federal judge appears skeptical of recent Pentagon policy restricting journalists' activities
Lawyers for the press asked a court to block the Pentagon from enforcing a recent policy restricting what journalists report, arguing it violates the First Amendment freedom of the press.
The Trentonian
Judge weighs bid to block policy limiting journalists’ access to Pentagon
By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN WASHINGTON (AP) — A Pentagon policy limiting journalists’ access to the building is depriving Americans of vital information about U.S. military operations while the country is at war, a New York Times attorney argued Friday in urging a judge to block the new rules. “It’s more important than ever for the public to know as much as they can,” Times attorney Theodore Boutrous told U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman during the fi…
Associated Press News
Judge weighs New York Times bid to block policy limiting journalists' access to Pentagon
The New York Times is urging a federal judge to block a Pentagon policy that has limited access to the building for journalists from many mainstream news outlets. U.S.
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