New York Times Sues Pentagon to Block 21-Page Press Restrictions

Overview

• The Times filed the case on Dec. 4 in U.S. District Court in Washington seeking an injunction and a declaration that key provisions are unlawful.
• The policy, in effect since Oct. 6, requires reporters to sign a 21-page agreement limiting information requests and contacts with sources.
• The lawsuit challenges language penalizing reporters for asking officials for confidential information, asserting it targets standard reporting practices.
• Dozens of credentialed journalists, including six from the Times, surrendered Pentagon badges rather than sign, and press spaces were reassigned to outlets that accepted the rules.
• The Pentagon defends access as a regulated privilege meant to protect operational security, and a spokesperson said the department will respond in court.