Lawsuit filed against Pentagon for imposing press restrictions following MAGA supporters' claims of seizing desks from traditional media

The New York Times is filing a lawsuit against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and the Department of Defense, challenging new Pentagon rules that restrict press coverage to pre-approved information. The case is expected to be filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., with Hegseth, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, and the DOD named as defendants.

The newspaper aims to overturn the October policy that requires reporters to surrender their press credentials if they refuse to follow the new guidelines. The Times argues that this restriction violates constitutional protections by preventing the press from holding the executive branch accountable.

This policy attempts to control reporting the government dislikes, infringing on the free press First and Fifth Amendment rights, said Charlie Stadtlander, a spokesperson for The New York Times Company. The Times will defend these rights vigorously, as it has under previous administrations that opposed scrutiny.

The Pentagon is likely to justify the rules on national security grounds, the same rationale used when the restrictions were first implemented.

Recently, the DODs press briefing room welcomed new participants to replace traditional pool reporters who refused to comply with the rules. Among them were former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, now an anchor at One America News Network, and MAGA personalities Laura Loomer, Jack Posobiec, and James OKeefe. Loomer celebrated on X claiming she had taken over a desk once used by Washington Post military reporter Dan Lamothe, a claim echoed by others in the group.

Lamothe responded, noting that several desks remain available in the Pentagon press area. None of the new press corps members have prior experience covering the U.S. military, though established outlets continue reporting on Pentagon activities from a distance.

Parnell criticized reporters who surrendered their credentials, saying they chose to self-deport and will not be missed. Meanwhile, the Pentagon Press Association expressed support for the Times effort to defend press freedom. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press also endorsed the lawsuit, emphasizing that the policy unlawfully grants government officials unchecked control over press credentials.

Independent journalism is essential, especially during a time when the Pentagons actions are under increased scrutiny, said Gabe Rottman, vice president of policy at the committee.

Author: Grace Ellison