New DOJ Policy Sparks Concerns for Press Freedom
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s recent decision to revoke a Biden-era policy regarding media protections raises alarms for journalists and whistleblower rights.
Policy Overview
In a memo reported by CBS News, Attorney General Pam Bondi outlined changes to the Department of Justice (DOJ) regulations concerning the handling of journalists’ records and the compulsion for them to testify in leak investigations. The memo states that the DOJ will take decisive action against unauthorized disclosures that are said to undermine governmental integrity and national security.
Bondi emphasized that “the perpetrators of these leaks aid our foreign adversaries by spilling sensitive and sometimes classified information onto the Internet,” signaling a shift towards stricter regulations aimed at safeguarding governmental processes.
Implications for the Media
The revised policy specifies that media organizations may be compelled to respond to subpoenas in attempts to identify sources of unauthorized leaks. The new directives indicate that such actions may include subpoenas, court orders, and search warrants, all contingent on specific legal approvals.
Bondi’s memo also requires the approval of the attorney general for any inquiries into journalists’ identities, a move that has raised significant concern among press freedom advocates.
Reactions from Press Freedom Advocates
The Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF), co-founded by whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg, has strongly criticized Bondi’s decision. The organization highlighted the link between the memo and calls for DOJ investigations into press leaks made by national intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard.
Seth Stern, FPF’s advocacy director, pointed out that the failure to pass the PRESS Act—a bipartisan initiative designed to protect journalistic sources—allowed for these regulatory changes. He stated, “Every Democrat who put the PRESS Act on the back burner… should be ashamed.” Stern further noted that this regulatory shift underlines the vulnerabilities present in the current administration’s approach towards press relations.
The Broader Context
In the wake of the 2024 election, Trump has publicly urged Republicans to oppose legislation protecting journalistic confidentiality, asserting on social media that they should “KILL THIS BILL!” Following these developments, Reporters Without Borders characterized the current environment as a direct assault on press freedoms in the United States.
Clayton Weimers, executive director of RSF North America, remarked on the concerning pattern of restrictions against journalists, warning against the normalization of such policies. “We will continue to call out these assaults against the press…” he emphasized, encouraging public advocacy for press freedom.
Safety Concerns for Journalists
Recent advisories from the Committee to Protect Journalists suggest that those traveling to the U.S. exercise caution, particularly regarding their devices, which could be subject to seizure at borders.
Bruce Brown, president of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, underscored the importance of strong protections for journalists, stating that “these protections serve the American public by safeguarding the free flow of information.” He noted that essential investigative reporting throughout U.S. history has relied on the confidentiality of sources.
