A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has ruled that restrictions imposed by the Pentagon on news organizations violate core freedoms protected under the U.S. Constitution, ordering the restoration of journalists’ access and sharply criticizing the department’s media policies.
In a decision delivered in the District of Columbia, the judge said the Pentagon’s measures were unconstitutional and undermined press freedom by favoring journalists who align with official narratives. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by a U.S. newspaper challenging restrictions on media access.
The court found that the Pentagon’s updated rules granted it excessive authority, creating significant obstacles for journalists trying to report independently. The judge noted that such policies risk distorting public access to information by rewarding coverage that reflects government-provided accounts.
As part of the ruling, the judge ordered the reinstatement of press credentials for seven journalists affiliated with the newspaper, restoring their access to Pentagon briefings and facilities.
The decision marks a setback for the Defense Department’s efforts to control media engagement and highlights ongoing tensions between national security institutions and press freedoms in the United States.
The Pentagon said it plans to appeal the ruling, setting the stage for a continued legal battle over the limits of government authority and the rights of the press.