general
New York Times says Pentagon flouts court order on press access
The New York Times told a federal judge that a revised Pentagon credential policy amounts to an end run around a March 20 court order restoring reporters' access, and asked the court to force the department to comply.
Mar 30th 2026 · United States
Insights
- Judge Paul Friedman ruled on March 20 that the Pentagon's credential policy violated reporters' free speech and due process and ordered reinstatement of seven Times reporters' credentials.
- The Times told the court the Defense Department issued an interim policy that bars credentialed reporters from entering the Pentagon without an escort and requires preapproval for events.
- The Times says the revised policy moves reporters to a library or annex only reachable by a corridor or shuttle reporters were initially not allowed to use.
- Pentagon lawyers say the revised policy includes safe harbors for routine newsgathering, complies with the court order, and that the department will appeal.
- The Pentagon Press Association says the interim policy preserves provisions the judge found unconstitutional and adds further restrictions on credential holders.