Judge Friedman strikes down Pentagon press credential policy

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman ruled in March 2026 that key provisions of Defense Secretary Hegseth's Pentagon press policy were unconstitutional, striking down the rules enabling credential suspension or revocation based on reporting content. Friedman ordered the Pentagon to restore access for suspended journalists and barred enforcement of the challenged provisions. The Pentagon responded by closing the Correspondents Corridor and requiring reporters entering the building to be escorted at all times.