Grade 2 of 5: Major Abuse of Power
Pentagon Press Credential Policy Struck Down as Unconstitutional; Court Finds the Department Did Not Comply (2025–2026)
A federal court permanently struck down the Pentagon's 2025 press-access policy as vague and viewpoint-discriminatory, then found the department had not complied and had instead cut reporters' access further. An appeals court let the escort rule stand pending appeal because the first judgment had not addressed it; the district court then preliminarily enjoined it as likely retaliation.