New York Times Sues Pentagon Over New Media Rules That Limit Press Freedom

The New York Times escalated its battle with the Pentagon by filing a lawsuit in Washington, D.C., challenging a new set of media rules that the paper says sharply restrict how journalists can cover the U.S. military. The move follows a dramatic walkout nearly two months earlier, when reporters from major networks including CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC surrendered their Pentagon credentials rather than agree to the new restrictions.

Under the 21-page rulebook issued in October, reporters stationed inside the Pentagon may not seek or publish information unless it has been explicitly approved by the Defense Department. The rules apply even when information is unclassified or gathered outside Pentagon property. Outlets that refused the conditions immediately lost their credentials, clearing space for reporters aligned with the Trump administration.

In its complaint, the Times argues the policy violates core First Amendment principles by limiting journalists’ ability to question government officials and report beyond official statements. The lawsuit says the restrictions deprive the public of essential insight into military leadership and grant the Defense Department broad, unchecked discretion in deciding who may access the building.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell acknowledged the lawsuit and said the department looks forward to addressing the arguments in court. The sweeping nature of the rules has drawn criticism from press-freedom organizations, which say the policy goes far beyond past disputes over individual press badges. Advocates warn the new approach binds the entire press corps, giving the government wide power to revoke access based on the stories reporters pursue.

Since taking office in January, Secretary Hegseth has carried out a broader reshaping of the Pentagon press corps. His tenure has included removing major national outlets from in-house workspaces, restricting reporters’ movements inside the building and reallocating offices to conservative and pro-Trump media figures willing to comply with the agreement.

Press-freedom groups argue this represents a serious threat to independent coverage. Gabe Rottman of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press said the Pentagon’s credentialing policy is unlawful because it hands officials unchecked authority over access, something the Constitution does not permit.