The New York Times announced plans to sue the Pentagon, claiming that the Department of War infringed upon the First Amendment by imposing new restrictions on journalists and outlets.
The new policy is “exactly the type of speech- and press-restrictive scheme that the Supreme Court and D.C. Circuit have recognized violates the First Amendment,” The Times said, noting that it “intends to vigorously defend against the violation of these rights, just as we have long done throughout administrations opposed to scrutiny and accountability.”
A lawsuit summary shared by the outlet alleges that the Pentagon’s policy seeks to “close the doors of the Pentagon — those areas that have historically been open to the press — to news organizations, like plaintiffs, that investigate and report without fear or favor about the actions of the department and its leadership.”
A recent memo explained that the Department of War “remains committed to transparency to promote accountability and public trust. However, DoW information must be approved for public release by an appropriate authorizing official before it is released, even if it is unclassified.”
Several press organizations refused to sign the Pentagon policy, including the Associated Press, The Atlantic, CNN, Newsmax, the New York Times, NPR, Reuters, and the Washington Post.
“Pentagon access is a privilege, not a right,” War Secretary Hegseth said of the policy in October. “Press no longer roams free. Press must wear visible badge. Credentialed press no longer permitted to solicit criminal acts. DONE. Pentagon now has same rules as every U.S military installation.”
