The New York Times Launches First Amendment Lawsuit Against the Pentagon

"On Thursday, The New York Times filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon related to its newly instituted media access rules, accusing the Department of Defense of violating the constitutional rights of journalists to operate as a truly "free press" through its restrictions on what can be reported and how journalists can go about their business. The federal lawsuit, filed at the U.S. District Court in Washington D.C.,"

"Reporters were presented with a 21-page agreement that restricts basic journalistic practices such as putting in requests for story tips or inquiries with interior Pentagon sources, and the agreement likewise states that it confers "unbridled discretion" to the department to decide what kind of behavior constitutes a violation, essentially allowing it to strip press passes from any reporter or news organization that publishes anything it dislikes."

Pentagon media access rules implemented in October impose a 21-page agreement restricting journalists from routine practices such as submitting story tip requests or contacting interior Pentagon sources. The policy grants the Department "unbridled discretion" to define violations and to revoke press credentials. The new rules prompted an exodus of established reporters, who were reportedly replaced by pro-administration or hand-picked independent outlets. The New York Times filed a federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., alleging the policies violate journalists' constitutional rights and seek to limit questioning of government employees and information gathering beyond official statements. Tensions occur amid broader military and foreign policy controversies.

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