President-elect Donald Trump has signaled his opposition to the bipartisan PRESS Act, passed in the US House of Representatives in January.
The PRESS Act was sponsored by Kevin Kiley (R-CA) and nine other Republican representatives.
It would prohibit the national government from compelling journalists or their employers from releasing information regarding their sources or information they have obtained.
The full scope of the information that would be protected includes any information identifying a source who provided information as part of engaging in journalism, and any records, contents of a communication, documents, or information obtained or created as part of their journalistic work.
The US government would be allowed to compel such information to prevent and prosecute acts of terrorism and violent crime.
More broadly, the federal government would still be able to compel the release of information if such information is believed to assist in the prosecution of crimes.
President Trump stated “REPUBLICANS MUST KILL THIS BILL (PRESS ACT),” on his Truth social account without giving anymore context.
Trump has previously proposed pressuring broadcasters and journalists he believes engage in ‘unfair’ reporting practices.
Some journalists, however, believe passing the PRESS Act is essential to limiting government interference with news reporting.
Journalist Catherine Herridge, who was reportedly fired from CBS News after investigating the Hunter Biden laptop story, has supported the PRESS Act.
Via X, Herridge called the bill “historic” and providing “the strongest protections for journalists.”
Some press organizations are lobbying for the bill to be enacted prior to Trump’s inauguration.
“The Senate has dragged its feet for far too long — it’s time to pass the PRESS Act and enshrine these vital protections for the journalism our republic depends on,” said Reporters Without Borders USA Director Clayton Weimers.
If Democrats want to pass the PRESS Act, they will have to move quickly as Republican Senators are unlikely to contravene any of Trump’s expressed desires.
