Pentagon Closes On‑Site Media Offices After Court Defeat on Press Rules
After a federal judge ruled the Pentagon’s press‑credential rules unconstitutional for granting overly broad control over press access, the Defense Department under Secretary Pete Hegseth is closing the historic on‑site "Correspondents’ Corridor," moving reporters to an off‑site annex and requiring escorts for all in‑building access while appealing the ruling. The New York Times and the Pentagon Press Association say the new policy violates the letter and spirit of the court order and have pledged to return to court.
📌 Key Facts
- Judge Paul Friedman ruled the Pentagon’s earlier press-credential rules unconstitutional for granting overly broad control over press access.
- After that ruling, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is appealing the decision.
- While the appeal is pending, the Pentagon has imposed new limits on reporters, including closing the historic on-site 'Correspondents’ Corridor' workspace.
- Reporters are being shifted to an off-site annex and will be required to have escorts for all in‑building access.
- The New York Times and the Pentagon Press Association say the new policy violates both the letter and spirit of the court’s order and have pledged to return to court.
📊 Relevant Data
The Pentagon has replaced its traditional press corps with a new group consisting primarily of right-wing and far-right media outlets that agreed to the restrictive access policies.
The press corps at the Defense Department has been replaced by ... — NPR
In the U.S., 76% of reporting journalists are White, 8% are Hispanic, 6% are Black, and 3% are Asian, compared to U.S. population demographics of approximately 59% non-Hispanic White, 19% Hispanic, 13% Black, and 6% Asian.
US journalists’ beats vary widely by gender and other factors — Pew Research Center
Approximately 2% of U.S. media workers are military veterans, compared to about 7% of the U.S. adult population who are veterans.
Veteran journalists are finding a place in America’s media, but their numbers are low — Editor & Publisher
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Reiterates that Judge Paul Friedman ruled the Pentagon’s earlier press-credential rules unconstitutional for granting overly broad control over press access.
- Confirms that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is appealing the ruling while simultaneously imposing new limits: closing the historic on-site 'Correspondents’ Corridor' workspace, shifting reporters to an off-site annex, and requiring escorts for all in-building access.
- Quotes reactions from The New York Times and the Pentagon Press Association explicitly saying the new policy violates both the letter and spirit of the court’s order and pledging to return to court.