New York Times Sues Pentagon Again Over Reporter Escort Requirement
The New York Times filed a second lawsuit against the Pentagon on May 18, 2026 in federal court in Washington, D.C., challenging a policy that requires reporters to be escorted inside the building.[1]
The suit contends the escort rule violates the First and Fifth Amendments and asks a judge to block the requirement while the case proceeds.[1] Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell defended the escort policy as necessary to prevent unlawful disclosures of classified information.[1]
In March 2026, U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman struck down parts of an earlier Hegseth-era Pentagon access policy.[1] An appeals court then put much of that ruling on hold, leaving the escort requirement in place while legal fights continue.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On May 18, 2026, The New York Times filed a second lawsuit against the Defense Department in D.C. federal court over press access rules.
- The new suit targets a Pentagon policy requiring all reporters to be escorted while inside the building, which the Times says violates the First and Fifth Amendments.
- Judge Paul L. Friedman previously struck down parts of an earlier Hegseth-era access policy in March 2026, but an appeals court stay has left the escort requirement in place.
- Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell publicly defended the escort policy as necessary to protect classified information from unlawful disclosure.
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