Story perspectives

Judge Slams Pentagon for Obstructing Press Access

4/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

On April 9, a U.S. District Judge ruled that the Pentagon is obstructing journalists and violating a court order to restore access.
U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman criticized the Pentagon's revised restrictions as a blatant attempt to bypass his earlier ruling in favor of The New York Times and other outlets.
The new policy requires escorts for reporters and contradicts constitutional protections for news gathering.
The Pentagon, under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, said it complied with the court's order but faced backlash from the Pentagon Press Association, which called the rules a clear violation.

1 of 1

Story summary

On April 9, a U.S. District Judge ruled that the Pentagon is obstructing journalists and violating a court order to restore access.
U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman criticized the Pentagon's revised restrictions as a blatant attempt to bypass his earlier ruling in favor of The New York Times and other outlets.
The new policy requires escorts for reporters and contradicts constitutional protections for news gathering.
The Pentagon, under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, said it complied with the court's order but faced backlash from the Pentagon Press Association, which called the rules a clear violation.