Overview
- The Defense Department, which unveiled changes Monday, shut the long‑used Correspondents’ Corridor, required escorts for any entry into the building, and said press workspaces will shift to an annex on Pentagon grounds at a later date.
- Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the department would reissue credentials and pursue an appeal, arguing the steps reflect security needs even as critics say they curtail routine newsgathering.
- The New York Times and press groups said the interim plan defies the judge’s order and, in a Tuesday filing, the Times asked the court to compel compliance and described the new rules as retaliatory.
- Senior U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman ruled Friday that parts of the 2025 policy were unconstitutional for vagueness and viewpoint discrimination and ordered credentials restored for seven Times reporters.
- Press advocates warn escorted‑only access and loss of in‑building desks will hinder source building and rapid reporting during active operations, while coverage across outlets highlights a clash between the Pentagon’s security rationale and First Amendment concerns.