Overview
- U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman ruled that core provisions violate the First and Fifth Amendments and cannot be enforced.
- The case, brought by the New York Times, targeted 2025 rules that barred reporters from seeking nonofficial information and threatened loss of credentials.
- After most outlets refused to sign the 21-page policy, 55 of 56 accredited organizations gave up Pentagon passes as officials assembled a largely pro-Trump press corps.
- Justice Department lawyers argued reporters’ requests to service members were not protected speech, but the court stressed the public’s need for diverse war reporting, citing Iran and Venezuela.
- Pentagon officials said they will seek appellate review, so practical access arrangements remain in flux pending further court action.