US Governance — 2026-04-10

Federal Judge Rules Pentagon Violating Court Order on Press Access

A federal judge ruled the Defense Department is violating his earlier order to restore reporter access to the Pentagon. Defense Secretary Hegseth's team attempted to circumvent the March 20 ruling by implementing new rules requiring press escorts for all reporters in the building. The judge found these measures fall short of restoring the access his order required.

Analysis
This is the second judicial finding that DOD is actively circumventing a court order on press access. The escort-only policy effectively kills investigative reporting inside the building: reporters cannot observe routine operations, pursue tips, or access personnel without a government chaperone.
2 sources
  1. Federal Judge Finds Pentagon Is Violating Court Order to Restore Access to Reporters - Military.com
  2. Pentagon fixes to press access policy fall short of fulfilling order, judge decides - Stars and Stripes

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