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Judge tells Pentagon to halt escort policy for journalists
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- A federal judge, Paul L. Friedman, ordered the Defense Department to temporarily halt its requirement that journalists be accompanied by an official escort at the Pentagon, ruling it violates the First Amendment.
- The order was issued in response to a lawsuit filed by The New York Times, though it is unclear if the ruling applies only to the Times or to all journalists.
- The Times praised the ruling as a reaffirmation of press rights, while the Pentagon strongly opposed it, citing security concerns and risks of unauthorized disclosures.
- The escort policy was implemented after earlier restrictions were struck down by Friedman, and the legal battle between the Times and the Defense Department over media access continues with appeals ongoing.
- This case highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. media and the Trump administration regarding press access and transparency at the Pentagon.
