A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Department of Defense from enforcing its escort policy. Judge Paul L. Friedman asserted that the policy directly violated the First Amendment.
The decision follows a lawsuit filed by The New York Times, marking the second time in five months the publication has sued the Department of Defense. Judge Friedman stated that the rule violated the First Amendment.
The policy was part of continuous attempts by Hegseth to limit journalists’ access to the department’s buildings and staff.
It remains unclear whether the court order applies only to reporters from The New York Times, which filed the lawsuit, or to the entire press corps.