The New York Times has launched a significant legal challenge against the United States Department of Defense, filing a federal lawsuit that accuses the Pentagon of imposing new media rules which violate the constitutional rights of the press. The action follows a major shake-up in the Pentagon's press corps under the leadership of Pete Hegseth.
Lawsuit Alleges Constitutional Breach
Filed in the US District Court in Washington, the legal complaint argues that the Pentagon's recently introduced policy deliberately censored and restricted journalists, infringing upon their First Amendment rights. The suit contends the rules prevent reporters from moving beyond official press releases and holding government officials to proper account.
The newspaper, alongside its reporter Julian Barnes who is named as a plaintiff, is asking the court to halt enforcement of the provisions and to declare them unlawful. They have retained prominent First Amendment lawyer Theodore Boutrous to lead their case.
The Controversial New Media Contracts
The dispute stems from October, when media organisations were asked to sign new contracts to retain access to Hegseth's department. The 21-page agreements imposed strict reporting guidelines, including limiting coverage to Pentagon-approved material.
Key restrictions in the contracts included:
- Prohibiting journalists from seeking scoops or tips.
- Barring reporters from pressing sources on sensitive issues.
- Requiring prior Pentagon review and approval for publication, even for non-classified information.
Major outlets such as CBS, ABC, and The Washington Post refused to sign, citing unacceptable threats to independent journalism. This led to a stark change in the composition of the Pentagon briefing room.
A Transformed Briefing Room
The Department of Defense held its first briefing led by new press secretary Kingsley Wilson on Wednesday, following the exclusion of many legacy media outlets. Observers described a 'dystopian scene' with an almost empty room filled predominantly with right-wing media figures.
Among those present were disgraced former congressman Matt Gaetz and Donald Trump confidante Laura Loomer. The 26-year-old Wilson, making her debut, faced what were characterised as 'softball' questions during a briefing that concluded in under 30 minutes.
Topics touched upon included the drug war in Venezuela and Iran's nuclear programme, but significant time was devoted to criticising The Washington Post's reporting. John Konrad, CEO of a maritime news website, posted on X after the event, praising Hegseth's leadership following an off-the-record conversation.
The Pentagon has not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit. Meanwhile, mainstream outlets continue their military reporting despite the access restrictions, setting the stage for a pivotal legal clash over press freedoms in the United States.
