Overview
- U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman heard arguments Friday, questioned key government defenses, and said he will issue a prompt decision.
- The New York Times challenges a mid‑2025, 21‑page credential policy that bans gathering or publishing information not authorized by the government and threatens loss of access.
- The Pentagon and Justice Department call the rules a common‑sense safeguard to protect national security and argue that building access is a privilege.
- Many major outlets relinquished badges in October 2025 rather than sign, leaving an on‑site corps largely of outlets that accepted the policy, while some previously uncredentialed reporters were allowed into briefings this week.
- Times lawyers allege viewpoint discrimination and uneven enforcement, citing tolerance of Laura Loomer’s general tip line versus objections to a Washington Post tip line.