Pentagon Revises Press Rules After Court Ruling
The Defense Department is changing its press access rules after a federal judge struck down key parts of its policy in a case brought by The New York Times.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the longtime workspace for credentialed journalists will close. A new press area will open in an annex, and all journalists will now need an escort. Rules journalists must sign are also being revised to clarify prohibited activities. The Pentagon plans to appeal but says the changes comply with the ruling while protecting security.
The move continues Secretary Pete Hegseth’s effort to limit media access. Since taking office, he has blocked reporters, removed outlets from on-site workstations, and restricted unescorted movement. In October, the Pentagon could label journalists “security risks” and revoke passes. Many Times reporters and others returned their passes, while the Pentagon later welcomed a press corps of pro-Trump commentators and influencers.
The Times sued, claiming First and Fifth Amendment violations. Judge Paul Friedman agreed, saying the policy favored reporters “willing to publish only stories favorable to or spoon-fed by department leadership.” He ordered the restoration of seven Times journalists’ passes. The new rules replace the term “solicitation” with “intentional inducement of unauthorized disclosure.”
