Is anyone surprised that a Federal judge shot down Hegseth's press policy as being unconstitutional, violating the First Amendment?

[yulbsari]

https://thehill.com/homenews/media/5794028-pentagon-press-restrictions-violate-first-amendment/

[abc3643]

Only slightly so... and it may yet be overturned.

The public has a right to know regarding many things including defense. At the same time, public awareness of some things can compromise security. This is why we have national security classifications.

However, these restrictions were inappropriate but a smart defense (lawyer, not DoD) team representing the Administation could make the case about these restrictions being associated with national security. I still think they would fail.

[slatyb]

Not at all. The entire administration is both ignorant of the Constitution and believes they can do as they please.

[katiesmuff]

Hegseth is such an ignorant individual I'm sure they had to hire someone to sit down with him and explain the Judges decision. That man is so unqualified to be in any government position let alone the secretary of defense (oh that's right we are now warmongers so it is secretary of war) ! It's really tough to figure out who should first follow Noam out of Washington Bondi or Hegseth

[Anonymous]

I'm always 👀 fascinated by the way Judges and Justices and Magistrates are appointed or nominated or confirmed 🏛️ you know - especially how similarly in Australia we have technically political appointments or political nominations depending on whoever is in power aka in government election to election

So I guess Democrat vs Republican nominated individuals who become Judges or Judiciary are as fascinating as the Wikipedia pages like I have a personal appreciation for U. S. Justice Clarence Thomas the only person nominated to the USA's highest court by former then US President George H. W. Bush (Bush Senior, not Junior) - who's still active as a Justice at time of writing March 2026 this 📖

[jshm2]

Lol, he's basically saying "the government can't ban them to silence them, as they can buy them out instead"

We know 7 families own outright 50% of USA media, and have shareholder control over most of the other 50% The courts can't ban monopoly - only access.

[katiesmuff]

You are wrong about monopoly as it is possible that courts can force a huge conglomerate to break up and sell off parts.

[Spencer10]

Zero surprise. For now the US courts are the only guardrail on this Administration.

[Kabluie]

No, first amendment doesn't allow discrimination of free speech and the judge was correct. You know you are in the wrong when even fox news says they are out and wasn't going with Drunk Hegseth's plan.

[Still-alive]

Lol this regime keeps failing over and over again 😂

[Alex-Snow]

Pentagon Pete is an embarrassment for the USA and him along with Trump have a lot to learn

[beefcakebradybatson]

Think Pistol Pete cares about anything save pleasing his Orange Massa?

[Twalli]

If Trump and his people want to be in a totalitarian country, there's plenty out there they can emigrate to.

[dougeats]

Nothing surprises me from the misfits in this administration tbh

[Anonymous]

Maybe Pete should take a page out of Biden’s playbook and just not have press conferences.

[blackeagle007]

What is trumps malfunction with the press?

[888theGreat]

Nope , it is and they violate about 10 of them

[oldman26]

Not surprised