The New York Times reporters could be back inside the Pentagon as soon as Monday—after a federal judge dealt a sweeping blow to the Defense Department’s crackdown on the press.
U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman ruled that the Pentagon’s restrictive credentialing policy violated the First and Fifth Amendments, siding with the Times in a closely watched lawsuit.
“The Court recognizes that national security must be protected, the security of our troops must be protected, and war plans must be protected,” Friedman wrote.
“But especially in light of the country’s recent incursion into Venezuela and its ongoing war with Iran, it is more important than ever that the public have access to information from a variety of perspectives about what its government is doing.”
Behind the scenes, momentum is already shifting. Status reporter Natalie Korach said Sunday that the Pentagon has “indicated” credentials will be restored Monday:
“New: The Pentagon has indicated that NYT journalists will be given press credentials tomorrow, Status has learned, after a judge ruled the department’s media restrictions unconstitutional.”
Just hours earlier, the Times said it was still waiting for confirmation after formally requesting reinstatement.
The pressure isn’t just coming from one newsroom. The Pentagon Press Association is also pushing for broader action. In a letter, the group urged the Defense Department to restore access to all affected journalists, arguing that continued restrictions harm both reporters and the public during ongoing military operations.
“Our clients and the public face ongoing, irreparable harm so long as the experienced military reporters of the P.P.A. are excluded from the Pentagon while active combat operations are being conducted in multiple arenas,” wrote David Schulz, counsel for the association.
The Pentagon isn’t backing down—yet. Spokesman Sean Parnell said the department plans to appeal.
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Americans (mainly the Conservative Voters): Hello. The “judges” are the goody-two-shoes that are intrusive “at best” and not so “”American interests”. What’s next? Granting the likes of “ny times” security clearances and sensitive info? definitely NOT. the leftist outlets like that newspaper are strictly leakers all of which do not have any interest for “National Security”. just one more iteration of the “rogue judges” who must be trashed by impeachments.
So our Military doesn’t have the right to toss out the Fake News reporters that are only there to harass them and try to make President trump look bad? They Publish Lies every friggin day.
Ignore this BS and appeal it!