The New York Times (NYT) and its national security correspondent Julian E. Barnes have filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon. They accuse the institution of obstructing press access to the U.S. military headquarters and leadership under new rules.
According to Kommersant, the complaint targets the Department of Defense, Secretary Pete Hegseth, advisor Timothy Parlatore, and press secretary Sean Parnell.
The new requirements allow media personnel into the Pentagon only under escort. The plaintiffs argue this violates the First and Fifth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution and constitutes retaliation against the NYT.
This is the second lawsuit by the NYT against the Pentagon. In December 2025, the NYT accused the Pentagon and Hegseth of suppressing free speech. The court then ruled in favor of the Pentagon, citing "security interests."
