Applaud the Judge Defending a Free Press at the Pentagon

A federal judge just delivered a powerful victory for press freedom — and for every American’s right to know what their government is doing.

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman blocked a Pentagon policy that restricted reporters’ access based on whether they agreed to new rules, ruling that it violated the First Amendment and due process. His decision makes clear that the government cannot pick and choose which journalists are allowed to ask questions — or silence those it disfavors.

A free and independent press is essential to democracy. Especially during times of war and national security decisions, the public deserves access to accurate, diverse, and unfiltered information — not coverage shaped by political preferences or government control.

Judge Friedman recognized that restricting journalists creates a chilling effect, where reporters may feel pressured to self-censor just to maintain access. That’s not accountability — that’s control. And it has no place in a functioning democracy.

Add your name to applaud Judge Paul Friedman for defending the First Amendment, protecting press freedom, and ensuring that the public’s right to know is never compromised.