The Times Sues Defense Department

Today, The New York Times filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense, also known as the Department of War, in opposition to its new press policy that punishes journalists for ordinary newsgathering. As a result of the Department's implementation of this policy earlier this year, journalists reporting on the U.S. military face loss of their press credentials for doing nothing more than bringing facts to light on behalf of the public, one of the core tenets of the free press in a democracy. The Pentagon's policy has been widely rejected by dozens of news organizations.

Charlie Stadtlander, a spokesperson for The New York Times added: "The Times stands with fellow news organizations across digital, print and broadcast media, including many conservative outlets, in strongly opposing this unprecedented policy.

The journalism produced by The Times and other outlets who refused to sign this policy provides critical information to the American public about the actions the U.S. military undertakes in their name and financial expense, and serves members of the military by reporting on matters of health, safety, housing and foreign deployments.

The policy is an attempt to exert control over reporting the government dislikes, in violation of a free press' right to seek information under their First and Fifth Amendment rights protected by the Constitution. The Times intends to vigorously defend against the violation of these rights, just as we have long done throughout administrations opposed to scrutiny and accountability."

A copy of the filing can be accessed here. Please contact [email protected] for media inquiries.

Statements of Support

Pentagon Press Association: "The Pentagon Press Association is encouraged by The New York Times's effort to step up and defend press freedom. The Defense Department's attempt to limit how credentialed reporters gather the news and what information they may publish is antithetical to a free and independent press and prohibited by the First Amendment."

White House Correspondents' Association : "The White House Correspondents' Association stands firmly with The New York Times in challenging the Pentagon's unprecedented restrictions on press access. Independent reporting on the U.S. military and its civilian leadership is essential in informing the American public about how the government is operating. The Times' lawsuit is a necessary and vital step to ensure journalists can do their jobs." -Weijia Jiang, WHCA President

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press: "The Pentagon's press access policy is unlawful because it gives government officials unchecked power over who gets a credential and who doesn't, something the First Amendment prohibits. The public needs independent journalism and the reporters who deliver it back in the Pentagon at a time of heightened scrutiny of the Department's actions. We look forward to lending our voice in support of this suit." - Gabe Rotman, Vice President of Policy

Digital Content Next: "DCN supports The New York Times's efforts to restore access for journalists covering the Pentagon. Press freedoms are vital to transparency and holding powerful to account - no matter the political persuasion. Attempting to coerce or deny access to independent media organizations in the vain hope of controlling the messaging is an anathema to a healthy American democracy."