The Pentagon Press Sues Pete Hegseth for Defamation

Earlier this year, John Konrad, a former ship captain turned social media commentator, joined the revamped Pentagon press corps. On Wednesday, he informed his followers on Twitter about his latest interaction with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Hegseth responded to my questions, Konrad shared. Its off the record, but I am impressed by his leadership!

Konrad is part of a wave of right-leaning media figures gaining access to the Pentagon after Hegseth and his allies excluded traditional journalists from the Department of Defense headquarters. The updated press credential policy enforces strict, seemingly arbitrary rules that limit reporters ability to work freely.

On Thursday, one of the affected media outlets filed a lawsuit against Hegseth and the Department of Defense. The New York Times and one of its journalists brought the case to federal court, challenging the policy as a violation of First Amendment protections for reporting and newsgathering.

The Times 97-page complaint asserts that the new rules give Pentagon officials the power to suspend or revoke press credentials based on perceived unfavorable coverage, contradicting established Supreme Court precedent. While reporters do not need Pentagon credentials to report on military matters, the credentials grant access to briefings, press conferences, and interactions within the Pentagon itself.

The policy also broadens potential reasons for revoking credentials, including receiving, publishing, or soliciting unauthorized material, even if it is not classified. According to the Times, Pentagon officials have indicated that they will interpret solicitation very broadly, potentially targeting routine journalistic practices such as interviewing government personnel.

Since the policys implementation in mid-October, many major news organizations have left the Pentagon rather than accept conditions that might compromise their editorial independence. In their place, pro-Trump and pro-MAGA media outlets and personalities have been granted credentials. Alongside Konrad, new members include MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, right-wing journalist Raheem Kassan, former Project Veritas activist James OKeefe, and even ex-Congressman Matt Gaetz.

The shake-up coincides with increased scrutiny of Hegseth and the Pentagon, particularly regarding a series of controversial Caribbean boat strikes. The Pentagon defends the operations as anti-drug missions, while critics argue they were unauthorized and potentially illegal. Reporters face numerous pressing questions, including who authorized the killing of boat strike survivors and the rationale behind recent Pentagon policies affecting minority service members.

The lawsuit emphasizes that the Pentagon is engaging in viewpoint discrimination, which is generally prohibited under the First Amendment. While the Department is not obligated to provide press access, once granted, it must respect constitutional protections. The Times notes that officials have publicly criticized journalists who refused to sign the new acknowledgment as biased, while praising those approved under the policy as objective.

The new credential rules aim to replace independent reporting with compliant voices, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the military. Legal experts highlight that, despite these measures, First Amendment safeguards remain robust.

Author: Lucas Grant