Court Ruling Blocking Pentagon Press Restrictions Is a Victory for Press Freedom

WASHINGTON, March 20 – National Press Club President Mark Schoeff, Jr. issued the following statement after a federal judge ruled that key portions of a Trump administration policy restricting reporters’ access to the Pentagon violate the Constitution:

“Today’s ruling is a decisive rebuke of an unlawful effort to restrict press access and a clear victory for press freedom.

The court affirmed what should be beyond dispute: The government cannot pick and choose which journalists are allowed to cover it or deny access based on their reporting — a core First Amendment protection.

Independent reporting on the U.S. military is essential to public understanding and trust. Without access, the public cannot fully see, or hold accountable, what is done in its name.

This case was about whether access could be used to limit reporting. The court’s answer was no.

A free press does not operate at the government’s discretion. Today’s decision reinforces that principle and affirms that transparency is not optional in a democracy.”

About the National Press Club

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world’s leading professional organization for journalists. With 2,500 members, the Club, through its Press Freedom Center, is a leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.

Contact: Beth Francesco, Executive Director of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, [email protected]