Federal Judge Blocks Portions of Pentagon’s New Press Access Policy
The Pentagon has not commented on the ruling but is expected to appeal. The case remains ongoing, with no immediate operational changes announced at the Defense Department.
Tommy Flynn
A federal judge on March 20, 2026, issued a ruling that temporarily blocks key parts of the Pentagon’s revised journalist credentialing policy.
U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman found that certain requirements in the rules — including mandatory pledges not to publish unauthorized information and the labeling of non-compliant reporters as security risks — likely violate First and Fifth Amendment protections. The decision orders the immediate restoration of credentials for seven New York Times journalists who lost access after declining to sign the pledge.
The policy changes, implemented under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth starting in 2025, aimed to tighten control over information flow inside the Pentagon. Officials cited national security and operational security needs during active conflicts. Many major outlets refused to sign, resulting in a smaller accredited press corps.
The Pentagon has not commented on the ruling but is expected to appeal. The case remains ongoing, with no immediate operational changes announced at the Defense Department.
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