NYT Accuses Pentagon of Defying Press Access Order

In Washington federal court on Monday, attorneys for The New York Times accused Pentagon officials of defying a recent judicial order by implementing a revised policy that continues to restrict journalists' access to the Defense Department's headquarters, prompting sharp questioning from the presiding judge.

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman heard arguments in the closely watched case but did not issue an immediate ruling. The dispute stems from a policy unveiled by the Pentagon in October under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which allowed officials to revoke press credentials if reporters solicited unauthorized disclosures of classified or, in some instances, unclassified information from military personnel. Of the 56 member outlets in the Pentagon Press Association, most refused to acknowledge the rules, leading reporters from those organizations to surrender their badges and vacate the building. The current press corps primarily consists of outlets that accepted the conditions.

The New York Times, as lead plaintiff, filed suit against the Pentagon and Hegseth in December, arguing the policy infringed on constitutional protections for free speech and due process. On March 20,...