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Federal Judge Declares Pentagon's Press Policy Unlawful

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A federal judge ruled the Pentagon's press policy unlawful on First Amendment grounds, siding with The New York Times.
U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman said a free press is essential to national security amid U.S. actions in Iran and Venezuela.
The public must access diverse information to make informed decisions.
The Pentagon's bans on unapproved inquiries and limited access to facilities led to outlets' expulsion from the press room.

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Story summary

A federal judge ruled the Pentagon's press policy unlawful on First Amendment grounds, siding with The New York Times.
U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman said a free press is essential to national security amid U.S. actions in Iran and Venezuela.
The public must access diverse information to make informed decisions.
The Pentagon's bans on unapproved inquiries and limited access to facilities led to outlets' expulsion from the press room.