US EditionUS judge blocks restrictive Pentagon press access policy
U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman ruled that the Pentagon's press policy unlawfully restricts journalists' rights and ordered restoration of credentials to seven New York Times reporters.
- A federal judge on Friday blocked enforcement of the Pentagon credentialing policy, the ruling reported on March 20, 2026 from Washington, D.C.
- The New York Times sued in December, alleging the changes approved in October 2025 under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth violate journalists' free-speech and due-process rights.
- Of the 56 Pentagon Press Association outlets, only one signed the acknowledgment, and reporters who refused to consent, including The Associated Press, continued reporting amid related litigation.
- The administration defended the rules as reasonable and necessary to protect the military, while Justice Department lawyers acknowledged some subjectivity but said decisions rely on neutral criteria.
- Journalism advocates decried the rule as an attack on the free press, and The New York Times said the policy permits unconstitutional viewpoint-based exclusions using the new press corps as evidence.
255 Articles
255 Articles
Judge rejects Trump restrictions on Pentagon reporters
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration’s decision to curtail the activities of reporters at the Pentagon, which led to the departure of most news organizations from the building, was blocked on Friday by a federal judge in Washington. Read more...
Federal Judge Strikes Down Pentagon Press Policy As Unconstitutional In Lawsuit Brought By The New York Times - Armed Forces Press
Washington — A federal judge has ruled that the Defense Department's controversial press policy violates the First and Fifth Amendments, granting a major victory to The New York Times and its reporter Julian E. Barnes in a case challenging restrictions on journalists' access and reporting at the Pentagon. U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman issued the decision on Friday, March 20, 2026, declaring key provisions of the policy — introduced in Oct…
Federal Judge Strikes Down Pentagon Press Policy, Admin to Appeal
A federal judge has invalidated the Pentagon’s press credentialing policy on constitutional grounds, escalating an ongoing dispute over national security, transparency, and media access inside the Department of War. The post Federal Judge Strikes Down Pentagon Press Credential Rule, Administration to Appeal appeared first on Breitbart.
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