Pass protections for journalists before Trump takes office!

Trump’s attacks on journalists and the free press are well documented. Now, as his second term nears, it’s critical that Congress implement greater protections for the press.

The New York Times editorial board said it is important to pass a shield for reporters to “prevent abuses of power.”(1) In his first term, Trump attempted to block leaks and pressure reporters in ways that threaten the free press and the public interest.

The House passed the PRESS Act without any opposition.(2) The Senate must now pass this legislation before Trump takes office.

The PRESS Act would protect journalists and the investigative reporting the public relies on to understand the inner workings of our government. With this legislation, government officials would not be able to force reporters to give up their sources or seize the phone and email records of journalists.

The New York Times editorial board said, “Hostility toward the news media in the polarized politics of the day makes it more urgent than ever to ensure that reporters can continue to pursue their essential role as watchdogs over the government without the threat of court-ordered demands for their sources and information. The PRESS Act is needed now.”(3)

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