- Federal Judge Paul Friedman has voided key parts of a restrictive press policy introduced by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, ruling that it violated the constitutional rights of journalists.
- The ruling follows a legal challenge by The New York Times after reporters were denied access to the Pentagon for refusing to sign a “loyalty pledge” regarding the use of unauthorized materials.
- Judge Friedman described the policy as “viewpoint discrimination,” designed to weed out critical journalists while favoring those supportive of the administration during the ongoing wars in Iran and Venezuela.
A federal court has ruled that the government cannot revoke press credentials based on a reporter’s refusal to follow restrictive new Pentagon guidelines.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the ruling comes at a critical time, as US military operations in Iran and Venezuela have intensified, leading to increased scrutiny of the Defense Department.
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Judge Friedman’s scathing opinion emphasized that the First Amendment exists to ensure the nation’s security through a free press and an informed public.
He ordered the immediate reinstatement of press badges for seven New York Times national security reporters who had been barred from the building for nearly a year.
The core of the legal battle centered on a requirement for “beat reporters” to sign a pledge promising not to obtain or use unauthorized material.
Major news organizations argued that such a rule was intentionally vague and could criminalize standard journalistic practices, such as asking questions of government employees.
Judge Friedman noted that the policy’s practical effect was to replace independent journalists with those willing to “serve” the department’s narrative.
While the Pentagon has expressed disagreement with the ruling and announced plans for an immediate appeal, press freedom advocates are hailing the decision as a “powerful rejection” of government overreach during wartime.
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