Pentagon Press Restrictions

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman held the first hearing in The New York Times’ challenge to the Pentagon’s new press‑credential policy, sharply questioning Justice Department lawyers about rules that bar credentialed reporters from soliciting or reporting information not explicitly authorized and warning that transparency is especially important during wartime. The DOJ defended the policy as a national‑security obligation while NYT attorney Theodore Boutrous said it deprives Americans of vital information amid the war with Iran; Friedman gave no immediate ruling but said he would issue a prompt decision, noting most major outlets have relinquished Pentagon credentials and now report from outside.