Donald Trump Urges Senate Republicans to “Eliminate” Journalist Shield Law

President-elect Donald Trump has directed congressional Republicans to halt a widely supported bill aimed at safeguarding press freedoms, potentially sealing the fate of the legislation in the U.S. Senate.

The proposed measure seeks to curtail federal law enforcement’s ability to surveil journalists and compel them to reveal their sources, formalizing protections that the Department of Justice enacted under President Joe Biden.

Last year, the House Judiciary Committee unanimously approved the bill, which passed the House through a voice vote in January.

On Wednesday, Trump expressed his opposition on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating emphatically, “REPUBLICANS MUST KILL THIS BILL!” He linked to a PBS segment discussing the proposed legislation.

The Senate generally requires significant floor time to advance legislation, especially when a single senator can obstruct progress. With Democrats focused on confirming judicial nominees before losing their majority in January, a vote on the bill seems unlikely without unanimous consent from all senators.

Given Trump’s considerable sway among Senate Republicans, achieving such consent appears improbable.

California Republican and bill sponsor Kevin Kiley acknowledged the bill’s challenges, stating, “Based on the feedback we’ve received from Senators and President Trump, it’s clear we have work to do to achieve consensus on this issue.” He expressed a readiness to collaborate with the new administration on various issues as the country moves into a new era.

A representative for Kiley declined to elaborate on the senators’ reactions to the bill. Additionally, inquiries directed to U.S. Senate Judiciary ranking Republican Lindsey Graham’s office went unanswered.

The legislative effort garnered bipartisan support in the House, with 19 members co-sponsoring the bill, including notable figures from both parties.

Jon Schleuss, president of The NewsGuild-CWA, emphasized that the bill would safeguard sources from all political backgrounds. “Without the diligent work of local journalists, the public would remain unaware of significant corruption within both parties,” he stated. He reiterated the essential role local journalism plays in maintaining accountability.

Gabe Rottman, policy director at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, characterized the bill as a “reasonable and common-sense measure” with extensive bipartisan backing. He urged Congress to acknowledge the need for legislative protections for journalists.

Concerns have been raised about Trump’s impending return to the presidency, particularly regarding his previous hostility toward the press. Advocacy groups caution that his administration may revive tactics to intimidate journalists and suppress dissent.

In the final stages of his previous campaign, Trump suggested drastic measures against reporters. Critics worry his second term would likely involve intensified efforts to undermine any news outlet or individual journalist who criticizes him.

Seth Stern, of the Freedom of the Press Foundation, expressed concern that Trump may dismantle the surveillance protections the Department of Justice established during Biden’s tenure.

Last updated 3:08 p.m., Nov. 21, 2024