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Federal judge rules Pentagon’s new press access policy is unlawful

A federal judge has ruled that parts of the Pentagon’s new press access policy was unlawful.

Last fall, the Pentagon implemented the policy requiring credentialed reporters to accept restrictive requirements to maintain daily access to the building.

Many news organizations refused to consent to the new rules and stopped working out of the Pentagon.

In December, The New York Times sued the Pentagon and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, arguing the policy was unlawful.

On Friday, the judge sided with the New York Times.

WTOP National Security Correspondent J.J. Green was one of the journalists who turned in his Pentagon press badge, rather than sign on to the DOD media guidelines.

He joined WTOP’s Ian Crawford to discuss the case.

Listen to the full interview below or read the transcript. The transcript has been lightly edited for clarity. 

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