(WASHINGTON) – PEN America welcomed a ruling by U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman on Friday that found parts of the Trump administration’s changes to the Pentagon’s press policy unconstitutional and struck them down as viewpoint discrimination. The ruling also reinstated press access for seven New York Times journalists. The Pentagon’s new policy had led to a walkout last year by journalists who covered the Pentagon across media outlets; they refused to agree to sweeping restrictions on their reporting. The New York Times had sued to challenge these restrictions.
“This ruling makes clear that the First Amendment does not stop at the doors of the Pentagon,” said Tim Richardson, journalism and disinformation program director at PEN America. “The government imposed sweeping restrictions on journalists’ reporting as the military became more deeply engaged in global affairs, including a major war with Iran – precisely when the public needs more independent reporting, not less. Defense reporters serve the public by holding military leadership accountable. During this time of war, the Pentagon should immediately restore full press access for all reporters.”
Judge Friedman’s ruling comes after the Pentagon has taken multiple other steps to limit credible, independent reporting. In addition to kicking out reporters, the Defense Department has inserted itself into editorial decisions at the independent Stars and Stripes newsroom and banned photojournalists from Iran war briefings over photos it deemed ‘unflattering’.
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.