Story perspectives

Federal Judge Blocks Pentagon's Press Access Policy

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A federal judge blocked key parts of the Pentagon's press access policy, introduced by the U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, ruling it unconstitutional and restricting journalists' credentials.
Judge Paul Friedman cited the importance of a free press for national security in his ruling.
The New York Times, which filed the lawsuit, argued the policy limited essential newsgathering.
The Pentagon plans to appeal, and the Associated Press pursues its own suit against the administration.

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Story summary

A federal judge blocked key parts of the Pentagon's press access policy, introduced by the U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, ruling it unconstitutional and restricting journalists' credentials.
Judge Paul Friedman cited the importance of a free press for national security in his ruling.
The New York Times, which filed the lawsuit, argued the policy limited essential newsgathering.
The Pentagon plans to appeal, and the Associated Press pursues its own suit against the administration.