A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Department of Defense to temporarily suspend its policy requiring journalists to be accompanied by official escorts when visiting the Pentagon. The ruling came in response to a legal challenge arguing the policy unduly restricted press freedom. Previously, reporters were mandated to have a Pentagon-assigned escort at all times, limiting their independent access. The judge determined the policy likely violated First Amendment rights, prompting the temporary injunction. The Pentagon had defended the rule as a necessary security measure. This decision marks a win for press freedom advocates who argue the previous system hindered investigative reporting. The Department of Defense is expected to respond to the ruling and potentially revise its press access protocols.