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Judge Rules DoD's Media Access Policy Unconstitutional

4/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman ruled that the U.S. Department of Defense's press credential policy, requiring escorts, is unconstitutional and violates a court order to restore access.
The ruling marks the second court intervention in the DoD's attempts to restrict media access.
The New York Times, which sued the DoD, argued the policy evaded the court's decision.
The DoD plans to appeal, insisting it complied with the court's orders.

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Story summary

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman ruled that the U.S. Department of Defense's press credential policy, requiring escorts, is unconstitutional and violates a court order to restore access.
The ruling marks the second court intervention in the DoD's attempts to restrict media access.
The New York Times, which sued the DoD, argued the policy evaded the court's decision.
The DoD plans to appeal, insisting it complied with the court's orders.