Judge Slams Pentagon for Defying Order to Restore Reporter Access Inside Building
A federal judge says the Pentagon is still violating a court order meant to restore journalists’ access, escalating a growing clash over press freedom.
According to PBS NewsHour and The Washington Post, U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman ruled the Defense Department failed to comply with his earlier decision that struck down restrictions on reporters inside the Pentagon.
The Pentagon had introduced a revised policy after the ruling, but Friedman said it effectively sidestepped the court by limiting workspace, requiring escorts, and restricting how reporters gather information.
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The New York Times, which brought the lawsuit, argued the changes were an “end-run” around the court order, a claim the judge appears to agree with.
Pentagon officials dispute that interpretation and plan to appeal, according to reporting cited in Times of India.
The legal fight now raises broader questions about how far the government can go in controlling press access.
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