Pentagon violates press access order

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman ruled that the United States — United States Department of Defense is violating his earlier order to restore access to the Pentagon for reporters. The judge sided with The New York Times, stating that the United States — United States Department of Defense's new credential policy violated journalists' constitutional rights to free speech and due process. The United States — United States Department of Defense, under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, attempted to evade the initial ruling by implementing new rules that require all reporters to be escorted within the building. The New York Times had sued the United States — United States Department of Defense and Pete Hegseth in December to challenge the policy. Sean Parnell, a spokesperson for the United States — United States Department of Defense, indicated the department's intent to appeal the decision. This ruling is seen as a setback for the administration's efforts to impede the work of journalists, with the judge emphasizing the importance of a free press for national security.