Legal AF by MeidasTouch Trump WH faces Contempt after Ignoring Order
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Mar 28, 2026 Breaking news about the Pentagon ousting independent reporters after a judge’s ruling on press freedoms. Discussion of a new Pentagon policy that calls access a “privilege” and replaces the press corps with politically aligned figures. Forecasts on likely contempt findings and possible legal appeals. Calls for restoring independent media access and scrutiny of transparency claims.
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Pentagon Replaces One Unconstitutional Policy With Another
- The Pentagon replaced an invalid press-access policy with a new policy that still treats press access as a government-granted privilege rather than a First Amendment right.
- Michael Popok highlights Judge Friedman struck the privilege language and the new rules again restrict non-classified reporting and source development inside the Pentagon.
Press Forced Out And Pushed To An Annex
- After the court's order, the Pentagon removed the mainstream press from inside the building and proposed housing them in an unfinished annex outside the correspondence corridor.
- Popok points out the move includes requiring an oath and maintaining control over information flows, limiting journalists' ability to cultivate sources.
Watch For A Contempt Motion This Friday
- Expect the New York Times to file for contempt and press for a status report from Judge Friedman by Friday to challenge the new policy.
- Popok advises watching the upcoming court filings and likely contempt motion as the next legal step.