Five former military and intelligence officials are suing the Trump administration claiming the government’s prepublication review system restricts their First Amendment rights. The lawsuit says those reviewing publications have too much power that they use to eliminate criticism of the government while they speedily approve favorable memoirs by retired senior officials. (The New York Times, April 2, 2019, by Charlie Savage)
The CIA and National Security Agency censor for “any legitimate government interest” and do not explain their redactions or act in a timely manner, the lawsuit contends. (The Hill, April 2, 2019, by Zack Budryk)
A CIA spokesperson said the prepublication review protected national security and former employees from legal liability and refused to comment on the lawsuit. (San Francisco Chronicle, April 2, 2019, by The Associated Press)
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