Federal Judge Finds Pentagon Violating Court Order on Reporters' Access

The judge says the Defense Department's new credential policy is an attempt to evade his earlier ruling protecting journalists' constitutional rights.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:38am

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A photorealistic painting in the style of Edward Hopper, depicting a lone journalist standing on the sidewalk in front of the towering, shadowed Pentagon building, with warm sunlight casting diagonal shadows across the scene.As tensions escalate between the government and the press, a federal judge's ruling affirms the media's constitutional right to access and report on military operations.Washington Today

A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Defense Department is violating his previous order to restore access to the Pentagon for reporters, dealing a setback to the administration's efforts to restrict media coverage. The judge said the Pentagon's new credential policy, which effectively expels all reporters from the building unless accompanied by escorts, is an attempt to evade his earlier ruling that the previous policy violated journalists' constitutional rights.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the government and the press, with the administration seeking to limit media access to military operations and information. The judge's rulings underscore the importance of press freedom and the public's right to information about government activities, especially on matters of national security.

The details

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman sided with The New York Times, ruling that the Defense Department's new credential policy violates his March 20 order to reinstate access for seven Times reporters. Friedman said the Pentagon was trying to "evade" his earlier decision by imposing new restrictive rules. The judge said the access now offered to permit holders "is not even close to as meaningful as the broad access" they previously had.

  • On March 20, Judge Friedman ordered the Pentagon to reinstate press credentials for seven New York Times reporters.
  • On April 10, 2026, Judge Friedman ruled that the Defense Department is violating his previous order.

The players

Paul Friedman

A federal judge who has ruled against the Pentagon's attempts to restrict media access to the building.

The New York Times

A news organization that sued the Pentagon to challenge its new credential policy, which the judge found unconstitutional.

Pete Hegseth

The Defense Secretary who implemented the new Pentagon credential policy that the judge has now ruled violates his previous order.

Sean Parnell

A spokesperson for the Defense Department who said the department disagrees with the judge's ruling and intends to appeal.

Theodore Boutrous

An attorney representing The New York Times, who said the ruling "powerfully vindicates both the Court's authority and the First Amendment's protections of independent journalism."

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What they’re saying

“The department simply cannot reinstate an unlawful policy under the guise of taking 'new' action and expect the court to look the other way.”

— Paul Friedman, U.S. District Judge

“The Department remains committed to press access at the Pentagon while fulfilling its statutory obligation to ensure the safe and secure operation of the Pentagon Reservation.”

— Sean Parnell, Defense Department Spokesperson

“This ruling powerfully vindicates both the Court's authority and the First Amendment's protections of independent journalism.”

— Theodore Boutrous, Attorney for The New York Times

What’s next

The Defense Department has said it intends to appeal the judge's ruling.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing battle between the government and the press over access and transparency, with the courts serving as a critical check on efforts to restrict media freedoms. The judge's rulings affirm the vital role of a free press in a democracy, even in matters of national security.