New York Times Sues Pentagon Again Over 24/7 Escort Rule for Journalists

7 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 18

A second New York Times lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court challenges the Pentagon’s March policy requiring journalists to have an official escort at all times during visits.
The complaint says the rule violates the First Amendment and makes press passes “essentially worthless” by forcing reporters to book appointments, wait for approval, ask questions under escort and then leave.
The case extends a monthslong fight over tighter Pentagon press controls under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, including corridor limits, press-pass revocation powers and the closure of journalists’ longtime workspace.
Judge Paul Friedman struck down major parts of the Pentagon’s October policy in March and later voided the core of the interim policy, but a divided 3-judge appeals panel let the escort rule stay in effect during appeal.

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