It must not be abandoned now.”The New York Times challenged the policy late last year, arguing it violates its First Amendment and due process rights. The parts of the policy Friedman struck down required beat reporters to sign a pledge not to obtain or use unauthorized material. Scores of news organizations, including the Times and CNN, declined to agree, resulting in reporters being denied press badges that give them access to the Pentagon. Friedman ordered officials to reinstate the press badges of seven national security reporters at the Times who lost access to the Pentagon last year. “The Court recognizes that national security must be protected, the security of our troops must be protected, and war plans must be protected,” Friedman wrote.
