Administration

New York Times sued by Trump’s EEOC over discrimination allegations

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by Ashleigh Fields - 05/04/26 11:25 AM ET

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by Ashleigh Fields - 05/04/26 11:25 AM ET

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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) under the Trump administration is preparing to sue The New York Times over discrimination allegations, the Times reported, a suit it suggested was driven by politics.

The potential lawsuit was sparked by a complaint from a white male employee who alleges he was not given a promotion because of his race and gender, two people familiar with the matter told the Times.

Sources told the newspaper a lawsuit could be filed as soon as this week.

The Times rejected the suggested charges, arguing it was being attacked out of political animus from President Trump.

“The New York Times categorically rejects the meritless and politically motivated allegations that the Trump administration’s E.E.O.C. is pursuing against us,” Danielle Rhoades Ha, a spokesperson for the Times said in a statement.

“Our employment practices are, and have always been, lawful, merit-based, and focused on recruiting and promoting the best talent in the world,” Rhoades Ha added.

She also said the allegations were “politically motivated.”

Trump often lashes out at the Times and other news outlets. He has specifically hit the Times in recent weeks over its coverage of the Iran war.

Months prior to reporting on the potential lawsuit, the outlet responded to requests for information from the EEOC amid the investigation.

The Times also engaged in “conciliation,” an informal and confidential process of voluntary mediation that allows both parties to discuss and agree to resolution, which neither the EEOC nor the employer can be forced to accept.

Conciliation typically follows an agency determination that there is “reasonable cause” to believe discrimination occurred.

If the process does not succeed, the EEOC can choose to file a lawsuit. Amid conciliation, the outlet said it was told the case was being referred to a legal unit for additional review that could result in a civil action case.

“Throughout this process, the E.E.O.C. deviated from standard practices in highly unusual ways, blatantly weaponizing a traditionally independent government body to serve a predetermined narrative,” Rhoades Ha said.

“If this lawsuit moves forward, we will defend ourselves and our values vigorously as there is not a single piece of evidence to support any claim of discrimination,” she added.

The threat of a legal battle follows an increase in pressure from the Trump administration on members of the press and media.

Trump has previously sued both The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times for defamation.

Other cases involving CBS, ABC and other media outlets have resulted in million dollar settlements for the president.

Upon the start of his second administration, Trump has encouraged all government agencies to crack down on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts with a specific focus on unfair hiring practices.

EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas has encouraged white male employees specifically to report workplace discrimination to the federal agency.

In February, the agency revealed it was investigating Nike over allegations that the sportswear giant’s diversity initiatives may have unlawfully discriminated against white employees.

The investigation into the Times follows its decision to ramp up diversity, equity and inclusion efforts after it was accused of underrepresenting people of color on its staff in 2021 and later accused of giving people of color lower ratings in job reviews in 2022.

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