The RecordExhibit 56
The Pentagon press lockdown
Ruled unlawful means: A court ruled against it. Some rulings are on appeal.
New Pentagon rules on what reporters may gather led dozens of news outlets to hand back their credentials and leave the building rather than sign.
What happened
The White House followed by barring reporters from the press secretary's offices without an appointment. In 2026 the Pentagon moved journalists to an annex with escorts, then declared its press office a classified space.
Where it stands
Judge Paul Friedman ruled in March 2026 that key parts of the policy violate the First and Fifth Amendments and ordered credentials restored to seven New York Times reporters. In April he found the revised rules still defied his order.
The administration's side
The Pentagon and White House cite security and the protection of sensitive material.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/pentagon/