Pentagon escort rule for journalists gets court approval. A federal appeals court has sided with the Trump administration, allowing the Department of Defense to require reporters be escorted while inside the Pentagon. The divided three-judge panel granted an emergency stay on a lower court's blocking order, finding the administration likely to prevail on its argument that the escort requirement is a separate policy from earlier blocked rules. The Pentagon argues escorts prevent disclosure of classified information. However, one dissenting judge warned the practical effect mirrors the previously blocked policy, effectively limiting journalists' meaningful access and ability to conduct independent reporting. The case continues as the D.C. Circuit prepares to hear the full appeal on the merits.
