A federal judge issues a preliminary injunction blocking the Defense Departments requirement that New York Times journalists be escorted while covering the Pentagon, ruling it violates the First Amendment and allowing The New York Times to continue its legal challenge.The escort rule, introduced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after earlier court decisions limited press access, applies broadly to journalists covering the Pentagon though the injunction stems from The New York Times suits filed twice within five months.Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell criticizes the ruling, saying it removes security safeguards and the Defense Department signals it will appeal while a Pentagon-approved press pool occupies on-site space.The injunction does not immediately resolve whether other news organizations will be exempt from the escort requirement and the legal dispute continues through the courts as the administration balances press access and security.