The New York Times accused the Pentagon of defying a federal judge's order blocking its policy limiting journalists' access to the Defense Department headquarters. U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman heard arguments from lawyers for the Times and the Trump administration but did not rule immediately.
Key Takeaways
A federal judge heard arguments on whether the Pentagon has complied with a court order protecting journalists' access to its headquarters. The New York Times accused the Pentagon of circumventing the order by implementing new restrictions, while government lawyers argued compliance.
- Judge Paul Friedman hears arguments on Pentagon press access policy
- New York Times accuses Pentagon of flouting court order
- Pentagon claims revised policy complies with judge's directives
- Current Pentagon press corps mostly comprises conservative outlets
The Times claimed that Pentagon officials implemented a revised press policy that circumvents Friedman's March 20 ruling, which sided with The Times by ruling that the Pentagon's new credential policy violated journalists' constitutional rights to free speech and due process. The judge ordered defense officials to reinstate the press credentials of seven Times reporters.
Times attorney Theodore Boutrous argued that the Pentagon responded to Friedman's order by imposing 'radical new restrictions' on journalists, including requiring escorts for credentialed reporters entering the building. Government attorney Sarah Welch countered that the Defense Department's revised policy includes 'safe harbors' protecting reporters and complies with the court's directives.
The Pentagon Press Association, which includes CBS News and Associated Press reporters, stated that the Pentagon's interim policy preserves provisions deemed unconstitutional by Friedman while adding new restrictions on credential holders. The current Pentagon press corps is composed mostly of conservative outlets that agreed to the policy.
The Justice Department argued that the court's order did not prohibit the Pentagon from revising its press credential policy or issuing new press access policies. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell indicated that the administration would appeal Friedman's March 20 decision, as reported by CBS News, PBS, and Reuters.
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