Pentagon correspondents push back on ‘unconstitutional’ press restrictions

The Pentagon announced plans Monday to close its traditional "correspondents' corridor" press workspace and relocate journalists to a new facility in an annex building, drawing accusations from news organizations that the move circumvents a federal judge's recent ruling restoring their access rights. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced the arrangement, which the New York Times said it would challenge in court, calling it an "end run" around the court decision. The dispute centers on press freedom and physical access to the Defense Department building, with journalists arguing the relocation undermines their ability to cover military affairs. The timing and method of the Pentagon's announcement—described as hastily implemented—suggest an attempt to work around judicial constraints on the Trump administration's authority over Pentagon press operations.