D.C. Circuit Restores Pentagon's Escort Requirement For Reporters
The three-judge D.C. Circuit panel split 2-1, reversing a district judge who found the original policy unlawful.
- New York Times sued in March 2026 after the Pentagon restricted unescorted access to the building.
- The interim policy Pentagon issued still requires a government minder for journalists working inside its halls.
- Spokesman Charlie Stadtlander called the ruling disappointing and vowed to keep fighting the case's merits.
Why it matters: Whoever assigns the escort decides what the escorted reporter is allowed to see.
D.C. Circuit ruling, New York Times Co. v. DOD (Docket 73576883) ↗ · Jul 17, 20267/17/26 · ✓ Checked✓ Check