Appeals Court Backs Pentagon Press Restrictions

A federal appeals court on Thursday sided with President Donald Trump’s administration in a case brought by The New York Times over restrictions on press access to the Pentagon.

A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit ruled that the Pentagon could enforce its policy requiring journalists to be accompanied by government escorts while inside the building. The decision overturned a lower court ruling.

Press freedom advocates have sharply criticized changes introduced under the Trump administration that limit journalists’ access to the Pentagon, arguing that they suppress freedom of speech.

Under a policy introduced by the Pentagon under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, journalists can be deemed security risks and have their press passes revoked if they ask unauthorized military personnel to disclose classified or, in some cases, unclassified information.

Of the 56 news outlets in the Pentagon Press Association, only one agreed to sign an acknowledgment of the policy. Reporters who refused surrendered their passes.

“While The Times is disappointed with this interim decision, we appreciate that the court has expedited the appeal and look forward to litigating it on the merits”, a spokesperson for the newspaper said.

(Reuters, Max)