New York Times Suing Pentagon Over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s New Press Rules

Outlets like The Times walked out of the Pentagon rather than agree to the rules as a condition for getting a press credential.

AP and Trump Administration Argue Access Case Before Federal Appeals Court; No Ruling Yet

President Donald Trump restricted the AP’s access to events in smaller spaces like the Oval Office and Air Force One, leading the news outlet to sue.

Introducing The SLAPP Back Initiative

First Amendment Watch is building the first national database of alleged SLAPPs — strategic lawsuits against public participation — potentially meritless or malicious legal actions that can financially cripple and ultimately silence critical voices.

Journalists Turn in Access Badges, Exit Pentagon Rather Than Agree to New Reporting Rules

It is unclear what practical impact the new rules will have, though news organizations vowed they’d continue robust coverage of the military no matter the vantage point.

New York Times, AP, Newsmax Among News Outlets Who Say They Won’t Sign New Pentagon Rules

Those outlets say the policy threatens to punish them for routine news gathering protected by the First Amendment.

Associated Press Disputes Trump’s False Characterization of Its Legal Fight Over Access

The AP won its case against Trump, but the president successfully earned a delay in getting the ruling enforced before the U.S. Court of Appeals considers the issue.

Appeals Court Won’t Reinstate AP Access To Presidential Events

Since the start of the case, the White House has instituted new rules for access to the limited-space events.

Picture an Execution: The First Amendment and the Spring 2025 Push for Death Chamber Access

Journalism’s fight for access has ramped up because, as the Louisiana and Indiana executions show, the death penalty itself could be ramping up. The escalation is happening on the federal level too.