Journalists vacate Pentagon as new media policy takes effect
More than 30 news organizations have refused to sign the new reporting policy. Many of them crowded into the office.
After losing in court on First Amendment grounds, the Pentagon introduced a new media policy this week, moving journalists to an annex and requiring them to be escorted into the building.
But press freedom groups say the revised policy remains problematic and have accused the Pentagon of violating a federal judge’s order.
On March 20, U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman blocked a policy that would have prohibited news organizations from reporting information that the president of the organization has not officially authorized to publish. The New York Times sued the Pentagon in December, alleging that the policy violates constitutional protections of free speech, press, and due process.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a March 23 X post that the Pentagon, which was renamed the Department of the Army by President Donald Trump, “has always complied with the court’s orders, but disagrees with the ruling and is pursuing an appeal.”
Secretary Parnell announced new policies regarding media access to the Pentagon, including the closure of the Correspondents Corridor, an office space where journalists have long worked within the Pentagon.
“The new and improved press workspace will be located in an annex on the Department of Defense campus and will be available for use as soon as it is ready,” Parnell said.
It also requires all journalists to be accompanied by a Pentagon official. Parnell said the new policy reflects the Department of Defense’s commitment to both transparency and national security.
The New York Times accused the Pentagon of violating the Friedman decision.
Spokesman Charlie Stadtländer wrote to X that it “continues to impose unconstitutional restrictions on the press” and that “we intend to go to court again.”
In his ruling, Friedman acknowledged the importance of protecting the U.S. military and war plans, but said in light of President Trump’s recent “invasion” of Venezuela and war with Iran, “it is more important than ever that the public has access to information from multiple perspectives about the actions of its government.”
Media advocacy groups also criticized the revised policy.
“Replacing one barrier with another raises serious questions about whether the Pentagon is honoring the spirit of that ruling and whether the public is being denied the transparency it deserves,” the National Press Club said.
According to Reuters, the Pentagon Press Association similarly said this was “a clear violation of the letter and spirit of last week’s ruling” and that it was consulting with lawyers.
Breanna Frank is USA TODAY’s First Amendment reporter. please contact her bjfrank@usatoday.com.
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