Federal Judge Rules Pentagon Violated Court Order on Reporter Access
U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman ruled that the Department of Defense is violating a previous court order by failing to restore full access to the Pentagon for reporters. The judge sided with The New York Times, finding that the Pentagon's new credential policy constitutes viewpoint discrimination designed to exclude 'disfavored journalists' while favoring those aligned with the administration. Although the Pentagon claims its revised rules comply with the March 20 directive, Friedman determined they effectively expel reporters unless escorted and impose unconstitutional restrictions on anonymity. The dispute stems from October when mainstream outlets walked out over the new rules, leading to litigation in December. While a current press corps of conservative outlets has agreed to the policy, major organizations like the Associated Press continue reporting from outside the building. The judge emphasized that the First Amendment requires a free press to ensure national security, rejecting the government's attempt to circumvent judicial oversight.
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Federal Judge Rules Pentagon Violated Court Order on Reporter Access
U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman ruled that the Department of Defense is violating a previous court order by failing to restore full access to the Pentagon for reporters. The judge sided with The New York Times, finding that the Pentagon's new credential policy constitutes viewpoint discrimination designed to exclude 'disfavored journalists' while favoring those aligned with the administration. Although the Pentagon claims its revised rules comply with the March 20 directive, Friedman determined they effectively expel reporters unless escorted and impose unconstitutional restrictions on anonymity. The dispute stems from October when mainstream outlets walked out over the new rules, leading to litigation in December. While a current press corps of conservative outlets has agreed to the policy, major organizations like the Associated Press continue reporting from outside the building. The judge emphasized that the First Amendment requires a free press to ensure national security, rejecting the government's attempt to circumvent judicial oversight.
AP News