Federal Judge Rules Pentagon Press Policy Unconstitutional

A federal judge ruled Friday that the Pentagon violated the First Amendment with a restrictive press policy that locked out journalists from major news organizations, including the New York Times and CNN.

The policy, put in place by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, required beat reporters to sign a pledge agreeing not to obtain or publish unauthorized material. Scores of news organizations refused, and reporters who wouldn't sign were denied press badges to enter the building. The New York Times then sued, arguing the policy violated the First Amendment.

The judge agreed, writing that the First Amendment gives the press the right to publish "free of any official proscription." The ruling also pointed to the ongoing war in Iran, noting it is "more important than ever" that the public has access to information about what the government is doing.

The ruling voids parts of the policy, though sections that were not part of the legal challenge remain in place. A Pentagon spokesman said the Defense Department disagrees with the decision and plans to appeal. The New York Times was also contacted for comment.