Why did the US Pentagon restrict media access?

Under the Trump administration, the Pentagon introduced regulations prohibiting the disclosure of unapproved information, threatening to revoke press passes for violations.

How did the Pentagon respond after the judge's ruling?

Immediately after the court's order, the Pentagon closed the 'press corridor' and completely banned reporters from entering without official escort.

US Judge Rules Pentagon Violated Order, Must Restore Media Access

Published Apr 10, 2026 1:21 PM ・ Updated Jun 13, 2026 8:25 AM ・ 4 min read ・ Source: CNA (Central News Agency)

A US federal judge ruled that the Pentagon's restriction of media access was unconstitutional and ordered the restoration of media access. The Pentagon had previously tightened interview regulations and revoked press passes. The judge accused the Pentagon of attempting to circumvent the court's order and demanded that media, including the New York Times, be granted access. The Pentagon disagreed with the ruling and intends to appeal.

After US President Trump's administration took office, the Pentagon restricted media access. Starting in October last year, it required reporters not to disclose unapproved information in their reports, otherwise their press passes would be revoked. This move effectively demanded that the media relinquish reporting decision-making power, drawing strong backlash from the media, with dozens of reporters returning their passes.

Agence France-Presse reported that The New York Times subsequently filed a lawsuit, and a federal court ruled in March this year that the Pentagon's new interview system last year was unconstitutional. Unexpectedly, the Pentagon then imposed even stricter restrictions.

Judge Paul Friedman stated in his ruling today: "The very next business day after the court's order was issued, the Department of Defense announced the immediate closure of the 'press corridor,' an area where reporters had worked at the Pentagon for years."

The Pentagon further completely banned reporters from entering without official escort and stated that new workspaces would be provided in "ancillary facilities."

For decades, accredited reporters from major media outlets held passes that allowed them free access to certain areas of the Pentagon to interact with officials and public affairs personnel, but the Department of Defense cited security risks as a reason for tightening restrictions.

Friedman wrote in his ruling that these escalating restrictions "were not based on security concerns, nor were they to fulfill previous commitments, and were clearly intended to circumvent the legal effect of this court's order," demanding that the Department of Defense must allow New York Times reporters and "all regulated parties" to enter the Pentagon.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell wrote on social media platform X today: "The Department of Defense disagrees with the court's ruling and intends to appeal." (Edited by Chang Ming-hsuan) 1150410

FACT BOX

Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
Category: regulation

US Judge Rules Pentagon Violated Order, Must Restore Media Access

⚡ Key Points

FACT BOX

Editorial & Verification Standards

FAQ

Cite this article — HOW TO CITE

AI CRAWLER ACTIVITY