The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell, arguing that the Pentagon’s newly introduced rules for journalists violate the First Amendment.

In October, the Pentagon imposed tighter restrictions on media access, requiring reporters to sign documents limiting how they may gather and publish information. Journalists who refused were ordered to return their press credentials. On October 15, at least 30 reporters from multiple outlets declined to sign and were forced to leave the Pentagon.

The New York Times said the policy unlawfully restricts press freedom and gives the Defense Department excessive control over news reporting. The lawsuit seeks to overturn the rules and restore standard media access to the Pentagon.