The New York Times has gone to court to challenge new Pentagon press accreditation rules that many U.S. news organizations say amount to a loyalty contract. The paper filed suit after the Defense Department introduced a credentialing agreement that requires reporters to accept limits on how they can challenge suspensions or revocations of their access. At least 30 outlets, including major TV networks and national newspapers, reportedly surrendered their badges rather than sign the new terms. The lawsuit argues that the rules chill independent coverage of the U.S. military by making reporters vulnerable if their reporting angers officials.

The case is emerging as a test of how far governments can go in controlling frontline access in an era of increasingly managed media environments. News organizations have long accepted basic security-related restrictions in war zones, but say the Pentagon’s new agreement crosses a line by weakening due process and giving the department wide discretion to bar critical voices. The complaint also frames the dispute as a First Amendment issue, warning that similar contracts could spread to other agencies or foreign militaries. For now, the Pentagon says the rules are designed to clarify expectations and maintain security, not to shape coverage, but has not signaled any plan to withdraw them while the case proceeds.