Overview
- The Times filed the suit in federal court in Washington, naming the Department of Defense, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and chief spokesman Sean Parnell, and seeking an injunction and a ruling that the policy violates the First and Fifth Amendments.
- The October policy conditions credentials on a 21-page agreement that bars publishing or soliciting "unauthorized" information and grants officials sweeping discretion to suspend or revoke access.
- Dozens of major outlets refused to sign and returned credentials, and veteran reporters have continued covering the department from outside as briefings are now attended by influencers and conservative outlets that accepted the rules.
- Pentagon officials say building access is a regulated privilege designed to prevent harmful leaks, while the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press pledged support and other newsrooms are expected to file supporting briefs.
- An inspector general report released Thursday found Hegseth used the Signal app to discuss U.S. strikes in Yemen on an unsecured channel, adding to scrutiny of the department’s handling of sensitive information.