Judge Blocks Pentagon's Second Try to Restrict Press Access Under Hegseth
A federal judge on Thursday rejected the Pentagon's second attempt to restrict journalists who cover the military. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth tried to impose new rules after a court declared his earlier press policy unconstitutional.
A federal judge on Thursday struck down the Pentagon's latest attempt to limit press access, dealing another blow to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's efforts to control military coverage.
The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by The New York Times after Hegseth, a former Fox News host, implemented what sources called a "highly aggressive attack on press freedom" last year. The judge had already declared Hegseth's first set of press restrictions unconstitutional.
After that loss, the Pentagon tried to adopt a new set of rules governing journalists with credentials to cover the military. But the judge rejected those too, gutting the revised policy.
The case comes as journalists worldwide are seeking information about the war in Iran. One judge noted that "the curtailment of First Amendment rights is dangerous at any time," emphasizing the importance of press freedom even during military operations.
Hegseth's restrictions represent a sharp departure from traditional Pentagon press policies, which have historically allowed broader access to military information and officials.
This protects your right to know what the military is doing with your tax dollars. When the Pentagon blocks reporters, it's harder for the public to learn about wars, military spending, and defense decisions that affect national security.
The Pentagon may appeal the ruling or try to craft new press rules that pass constitutional review.
Was this article helpful?
0 people found this helpful