Appeals Court Allows Pentagon to Require Journalist Escorts

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled 2-to-1 on Monday to grant the United States Department of Defense a stay, allowing the Pentagon to require that journalists be escorted while inside the building. The decision suspends an April 9 order by U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman, who had previously found that the press credential policy violated constitutional rights to free speech and due process.

The contested policy, implemented in September 2025, requires reporters to sign documents acknowledging that access can be revoked if they are deemed a security risk regarding the unauthorized disclosure of classified information. The appeals court accepted the government's argument that unescorted access leads to leaks that endanger personnel and allies, though the judges noted such restrictions could burden the free flow of information.

Judge J. Michelle Childs dissented from the majority, arguing that the policy was an attempt to evade a court order and that escorts hinder a reporter's ability to verify sources or speak candidly with personnel. The New York Times, which challenged the policy in court, maintains that its constitutional arguments remain strong despite the preliminary ruling.