Federal judge ruled that accreditation standard implemented in 2024 violates the 1st and 5th amendments of the Constitution
The United States Department of War had part of its press accreditation policy overturned by the North American courts. The decision was announced on Friday (March 20, 2026) by the North American District Court. Judge Paul L. Friedman ruled that the rule violated the 1st and 5th Amendments of the US Constitution. The lawsuit was filed by the newspaper The New York Times.
The Pentagon established controls that limited the information published by reporters. The rule required journalists to sign a document agreeing that any information obtained must be approved by the department before release. The policy had been implemented in October 2024.
The requirement applied even to data not classified as confidential. Professionals who refused to sign were prevented from having daily access to the building.
The judge overturned a restriction that indicated that reporters who “request” sensitive information could be barred from the Pentagon because it poses security risks. The judge also vetoed the part of the rule that classified access to the department as a “privilege” and not a “right”. Some restrictions were kept in place. The information is from BBC.
The War Department argued that it was trying to protect national security. The department claimed it sought to prevent employees from illegally leaking sensitive information. The Pentagon said the policy did not require journalists to submit their stories for military approval.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell wrote on X that “disagree” of the decision and is seeking a “immediate appeal”.
Judge Friedman maintained some restrictions, including requiring reporters to have an escort when accessing some parts of the building.
