The Digester

Judge blocks Pentagon press access policy after New York Times lawsuit

Mar 20th 2026 · World

A federal judge halted a Pentagon rule that let the Defense Department revoke press credentials and brand reporters security risks, after the New York Times sued claiming the policy unlawfully restricted newsgathering and free speech.

  • A federal judge in Washington DC blocked the Pentagon policy that allowed revoking press badges and labeling journalists as security risks.
  • The New York Times sued, saying the rule violated First Amendment free speech protections and due process rights.
  • Changes approved in October under Pete Hegseth said soliciting unauthorized information could be considered when designating a reporter a security or safety risk and used to revoke credentials.
  • Only one of 56 outlets in the Pentagon Press Association signed the policy acknowledgment and many reporters surrendered their passes after refusing to sign.
  • The Pentagon assembled a new press corps made up largely of pro-Trump outlets after the exodus, while Justice Department lawyers defended the rule as necessary for military protection and said solicitation to commit a crime is not protected speech.

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