The U.S. Defense Department will issue new press credentials while relocating media offices outside the Pentagon, following a federal court ruling in favor of The New York Times. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the changes Monday, stating the agency disagrees with the ruling and plans to appeal.

Court Ruling Forces Changes

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman ruled last week that the Pentagon’s new credentialing policy illegally restricts access for reporters who refused to comply with the rules. The Times sued in December, arguing the policy violates journalists’ constitutional rights to free speech and due process.

“The new facility will be available when ready,” Parnell said, referring to the planned annex on Pentagon grounds.

Journalists will still have access to press conferences and interviews arranged through the Pentagon’s public affairs team but must be escorted, Parnell clarified. The current press corps consists largely of conservative outlets that agreed to the policy, while outlets like The Associated Press continue reporting on the military without Pentagon credentials.

The AP is awaiting a decision in its separate lawsuit against the Trump administration, which allegedly reduced its access to presidential events in retaliation for not renaming the Gulf of Mexico. The Pentagon’s latest move underscores ongoing tensions between the U.S. government and the press.