Last mentioned: Mar 21, 2026
Court Ruling
Judge Paul Friedman strikes down the policy and orders the reinstatement of press credentials.
Credential Revocation
Reporters from major news organizations lose Pentagon access after refusing to sign the new pledge.
Legal Challenge
The New York Times files a lawsuit in U.S. District Court challenging the policy's constitutionality.
Policy Introduction
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rolls out a new press policy requiring signed pledges from beat reporters.
Senior U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman has voided key provisions of a Pentagon press policy that required journalists to pledge not to use unauthorized information. The ruling marks a significant victory for the First Amendment, restoring access for major news organizations that had been barred from the Defense Department headquarters.