Friday, April 10, 2026-A federal judge has ruled that the Pentagon violated a court order requiring it to restore press access for credentialed journalists, escalating an ongoing legal battle over media freedom inside the U.S. military headquarters.
U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman found that the Defense Department failed to comply with his earlier directive, saying its revised press policy still unlawfully restricted journalists’ access despite claims it had been updated to meet the court’s requirements. The judge concluded that the changes appeared to be an attempt to sidestep his original ruling rather than fully implement it.
The dispute centers on Pentagon rules introduced under the Trump administration that tightened controls on reporters, including limits on movement inside the building and conditions on how journalists can gather and report information. Several major news organizations challenged the policy, arguing it violated First and Fifth Amendment protections and undermined press independence.
Judge Friedman ordered the Pentagon to fully restore press access and submit proof of compliance, sharply criticizing what he described as “transparent attempts” to evade judicial authority. The Pentagon has indicated it disagrees with the ruling and is expected to appeal.
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