A federal judge has blocked a Pentagon media access policy introduced under Donald Trump’s administration, siding with The New York Times in a legal challenge over press restrictions. The policy, implemented in 2025, tightened rules for journalists operating داخل the Pentagon, with officials citing national security concerns and the need to limit access to sensitive areas.
The lawsuit argued that the policy interfered with journalists’ ability to gather information and report on government activities. Paul L. Friedman ruled that the restrictions raised constitutional concerns, emphasizing the importance of a free press in maintaining an informed public. He also noted that the policy lacked clarity and could lead to inconsistent enforcement.
In his decision, the judge issued a permanent injunction preventing enforcement of the policy and ordered that revoked press credentials be restored. He stated that the government had not demonstrated sufficient harm to justify the restrictions and suggested the rules could limit routine journalistic practices.
Separately, Pete Hegseth announced a policy shift affecting military education, stating that the Pentagon will halt sending personnel to several prominent universities beginning in the 2026–27 academic year. The move reflects broader changes in defense policy and priorities, though it is unrelated to the court’s ruling on media access.