The New York Times filed a federal lawsuit on December 4 challenging a new Pentagon policy under Pete Hegseth that restricts journalists’ ability to gather and publish military-related information unless it is first approved by the Defense Department. The lawsuit argues the policy violates the First Amendment’s free-press protections and the Fifth Amendment’s due-process guarantees.
Under the new rules — implemented in October — reporters were required to sign a lengthy 21-page document pledging not to solicit any “non-approved” information from Pentagon employees. Dozens of major outlets, including The New York Times, Reuters, The Associated Press, The Washington Post, and others, refused and turned in their press credentials en masse.
“The policy is an attempt to exert control over reporting the government dislikes.”
As a result, the Pentagon’s press corps has been reshuffled. Most credentialed slots are now filled by media outlets and individuals supportive of the current administration, a move critics say undermines journalistic independence and institutional memory.
The Times is seeking a court order to block enforcement of the policy and to restore credentials for reporters who refused to comply. Legal observers warn that if the policy is upheld, it could set a dangerous precedent — allowing the government to control which outlets are “trusted” with coverage of national security, potentially chilling free and independent reporting for years to come.
