President-elect Donald Trump directed congressional Republicans on Wednesday to block a bipartisan bill aimed at shielding journalists from government surveillance.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared a PBS News segment outlining the bipartisan bill’s intent and its current status in Congress. “REPUBLICANS MUST KILL THIS BILL!” Trump wrote.
The Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying (PRESS) Act, which passed the House earlier in 2024 with bipartisan backing, seeks to establish the first federal press shield law in the United States. Democratic Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin and Republican California Rep. Kevin Kiley, who co-sponsored the bill, hailed its passage in January.
“House passage of the PRESS Act in a unanimous vote moves America closer to establishing our first federal press shield law ever. The PRESS Act will greatly strengthen the meaning of the constitutional promise of press freedom,” Raskin said. “This awesome bipartisan vote at a time of party polarization underscores the binding power and universal appeal of freedom of the press as a leading constitutional principle. This is a significant victory for the people and our First Amendment values.”
Kiley agreed with Raskin and noted that administrations from both parties have misused authority to target journalists and forced them to disclose sources. (RELATED: Musk, Ramaswamy Outline DOGE Plan That Seeks Major Workforce Reduction)
“Administrations from both political parties have unjustly targeted journalists and used compulsory process to obtain information from them about their sources. Most states have protected journalists from such interference, and it is past time for Congress to do so as well,” Kiley said.
Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists, pointed out the bill’s urgency in an interview with PBS News.
“It’s really important that we have that federal shield law to protect journalists at the federal level. We know that Trump is interested in going after whistleblowers, people who leak, and it’s absolutely essential that they are protected and that journalists’ sources are protected and journalists are allowed to do their job,” Ginsberg said.
Trump, in his Truth Social post, did not explain his objections to the bill. In 2022, Republican Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton criticized the role of the press in handling sensitive information, particularly during times of conflict, which he views as detrimental to U.S. national security. In his statements, Cotton highlighted several historical instances where he believes the press compromised military and security operations by releasing classified information.
The PRESS Act would shield journalists and leakers from consequences—even when their actions endanger American lives and security. pic.twitter.com/de0d3GrYcy
— Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) December 14, 2022
“During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the press routinely revealed details about America’s efforts to hunt down terrorists, details that helped our enemies cover their tracks and evade justice. These leaks were reckless and harmful to our national security, yet the PRESS Act would immunize journalists and leakers alike from scrutiny and consequences for their actions,” Cotton said.
“This bill would prohibit the government from compelling any individual who calls himself a journalist from disclosing the source or substance of such damaging leaks.”
Trump said Monday that a “free, fair, and open media” is essential to his vision for Making America Great Again. During an interview with Fox News Digital, he acknowledged the “obligation” to engage with the press, even with outlets he believes have treated him “badly beyond comprehension.”
In the conversation, Trump said he plans to position the United States as “the greatest and most powerful country in the world.” He also discussed his media strategy for his upcoming term and pointed out the importance of fostering transparent communication with journalists.
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