Judge Blocks Pentagon Policy Requiring Journalist Escorts

A federal judge on Tuesday ordered a preliminary injunction against a Pentagon policy requiring journalists to have official escorts while visiting the building, siding with The New York Times in its legal challenge. U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman ruled that the requirement, implemented by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, violated the First Amendment.

The judge found the Pentagon's rationale for the escort rule "facially dubious," rejecting the argument that it was necessary to prevent unauthorized disclosures of classified information. He questioned why the timing of a journalist's question would affect the likelihood of a disclosure, asking if a Department official was more likely to divulge sensitive information while in line at a coffee shop. Friedman emphasized that the policy inescapably burdened journalists' ability to interview varied sources, engage in spontaneous conversations, and develop relationships essential to covering the Pentagon.

This ruling is the latest development in a series of legal battles over press access at the Defense Department. In October, the Pentagon adopted a policy authorizing the revocation of press passes for journalists deemed security...