Overview
- U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman invalidated central parts of the October 2025 policy that conditioned credentials on avoiding “unauthorized” information and allowed officials to deem reporters security risks.
- He ruled the policy engaged in viewpoint discrimination and was unconstitutionally vague, warning that routine questioning could trigger credential revocation.
- The order requires the Pentagon to restore credentials for multiple New York Times journalists and to report on compliance within a short timeframe.
- Several earlier, unchallenged access provisions remain, including limits on unescorted movement inside the building.
- Friedman underscored the need for diverse reporting during U.S. actions in Venezuela and the war with Iran, after most major outlets refused to sign the policy and surrendered their Pentagon passes.