New York Times accuses Pentagon of defying judge’s press access order

The New York Times has accused the Pentagon of defying a judge's order to restore press access. Judge Paul Friedman had overturned restrictive language in the Pentagon's media agreement and ordered the return of press badges to seven Times journalists. Instead, the Pentagon announced the permanent closure of the "correspondents' corridor" and the creation of a new workspace outside the building, along with a revised policy requiring escorts for journalists. The Times argues this new policy, which also restricts the use of anonymous sources, is a thinly veiled attempt to circumvent the court's ruling and obstruct independent reporting. The Pentagon maintains it has complied with the judge's order, but journalists and the New York Times strongly disagree.

The Pentagon will issue new press credentials but eliminate media offices within the building following a judge's ruling in favor of The New York Times. The lawsuit challenged the Pentagon's new policy restricting press access, which the newspaper argued violated constitutional rights. While the Pentagon disagrees with the ruling and plans to appeal, it will establish an "annex" on Pentagon grounds for reporters to work from. Journalists will still be able to access the Pentagon for press conferences and scheduled interviews, but they will require escorts. The current Pentagon press corps mainly consists of conservative outlets that agreed to the policy, while other outlets like the Associated Press continue to report on the military.