June 13, 1971: ‘The New York Times’ Publishes the Pentagon Papers

June 13, 1971: ‘The New York Times’ Publishes the Pentagon Papers

June 13, 1971: ‘The New York Times’ Publishes the Pentagon Papers

Copy Link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
Bluesky
Pocket
Email

The Nation, which had covered American involvement in Vietnam critically since the early 1950s, may have been a touch peeved at the credit The New York Times and The Washington Post, late-comers to dissidence, were receiving for the publication of the Pentagon Papers, leaked by Daniel Ellsberg. The following article, “Vietnam: How the Press Went Along” (October 11, 1971), was written by Susan Welch, a member of the political science faculty of the University of Nebraska.

The conflict between the government and the press over the publication of the Pentagon Papers has provided a convenient occasion to examine the role of the journalists during earlier stages of the American involvement in Indochina. Over the last six years the press has reported many anti-governmental viewpoints on the war, and in so doing has suffered a good deal of criticism, particularly from the Johnson and Nixon administrations. But, looking back at coverage of two decades ago, one finds that the press played a key part in promulgating the view that Indochina was an area of vital interest to the United States. This was of course the view of the Truman and Eisenhower administrations, and the press, with some exceptions, relayed it to the public with a good deal of faithfulness. A review of four major metropolitan papers—The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, and the San Francisco Chronicle—from 1950-56 recalls a treatment of the Indochinese issue that is in significant contrast to reporting on the war today.

June 13, 1971

To mark The Nation’s 150th anniversary, every morning this year The Almanac will highlight something that happened that day in history and how The Nation covered it. Get The Almanac every day (or every week) by signing up to the e-mail newsletter.

Support independent journalism that exposes oligarchs and profiteers


Donald Trump’s cruel and chaotic second term is just getting started. In his first month back in office, Trump and his lackey Elon Musk (or is it the other way around?) have proven that nothing is safe from sacrifice at the altar of unchecked power and riches.

Only robust independent journalism can cut through the noise and offer clear-eyed reporting and analysis based on principle and conscience. That’s what The Nation has done for 160 years and that’s what we’re doing now.

Our independent journalism doesn’t allow injustice to go unnoticed or unchallenged—nor will we abandon hope for a better world. Our writers, editors, and fact-checkers are working relentlessly to keep you informed and empowered when so much of the media fails to do so out of credulity, fear, or fealty.

The Nation has seen unprecedented times before. We draw strength and guidance from our history of principled progressive journalism in times of crisis, and we are committed to continuing this legacy today.

We’re aiming to raise $25,000 during our Spring Fundraising Campaign to ensure that we have the resources to expose the oligarchs and profiteers attempting to loot our republic. Stand for bold independent journalism and donate to support The Nation today.

Onward,

Katrina vanden Heuvel

Editorial Director and Publisher, The Nation

Ad Policy
x