Judge Paul Friedman rejected the Pentagon's second attempt to restrict media access, declaring the new policy essentially unconstitutional. The ruling marks the second time Friedman has struck down Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's press restrictions, continuing a legal battle that began when the Pentagon changed journalist credentials in October 2026.

The Pentagon had altered wording about soliciting information from government sources and failed to reinstate press passes for New York Times reporters. Judge Friedman criticized the department's changes as "transparent attempts to negate the impact of this court's order," noting the closed workspace and escort requirements undermined previous rulings.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced plans to appeal the decision. The Times accused the Pentagon of attempting an "end run" around the original ruling, with First Amendment lawyer Theodore J. Boutrous calling the decision "powerful vindication" of both court authority and press protections. The judge ordered full compliance by next Thursday.