Story perspectives

Judge Blocks Trump’s Pentagon Policy, Restores Press Credentials

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman blocked the Trump administration's Pentagon policy restricting reporters' access, ruling it unlawfully restricts press credentials.
He sided with The New York Times, stating the policy violates First and Fifth Amendments.
The judge ordered credentials reinstated for seven Times journalists and stressed public access during wartime.
The Pentagon plans to appeal, while critics including Pentagon Press Association call the ruling a victory for press freedom.

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Story summary

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman blocked the Trump administration's Pentagon policy restricting reporters' access, ruling it unlawfully restricts press credentials.
He sided with The New York Times, stating the policy violates First and Fifth Amendments.
The judge ordered credentials reinstated for seven Times journalists and stressed public access during wartime.
The Pentagon plans to appeal, while critics including Pentagon Press Association call the ruling a victory for press freedom.