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Appeals Court Restores Pentagon Escort Rule for Journalists
A federal appeals court panel reinstated the Defense Department policy requiring escorts for reporters inside the Pentagon. The decision overturns a lower court ruling while a lawsuit by The New York Times continues.
Jul 17, 1:38 PM·1m read3 sources
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A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled Thursday evening that the Pentagon may continue requiring government escorts for journalists visiting its headquarters. The order reverses a lower court decision that had temporarily blocked the escort requirement.
Two of the three judges on the panel sided with Defense Department officials, stating that the policy can remain in place during ongoing litigation.
The New York Times is suing to overturn the escort rule, arguing that it restricts press access. The newspaper filed the lawsuit after the Pentagon reinstated the escort requirement earlier this year. The appeals court panel disagreed and stayed that injunction.
No date has been set for further arguments or a final ruling on the merits. The New York Times said it will continue to challenge the policy through the courts. >"Department of Defense officials are likely to prevail on the merits." — U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit panel, July 17, 2026 (The Hill)
