Trump Fights to Block Historic Bill Protecting Journalists—What’s at Stake?

Donald Trump is putting pressure on Congressional Republicans to halt the passage of the Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying (PRESS) Act, a bipartisan bill that would prevent federal agencies from surveilling journalists or forcing them to reveal their sources. On Wednesday, the former president took to Truth Social to voice his opposition, writing in all caps: “REPUBLICANS MUST KILL THIS BILL!”

The PRESS Act, which passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support earlier this year, would establish the first federal shield law for journalists. Sponsored by Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin and Republican Representative Kevin Kiley, the bill has been hailed as a landmark step toward protecting press freedom in the U.S.

Representative Jamie Raskin championed the bill as a critical step for the country. “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,” he said.

His co-sponsor, Representative Kevin Kiley, also spoke to the bill’s necessity. “Presidential administrations from both 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 noted.

The PRESS Act aims to safeguard journalists from federal surveillance and restrict the government’s ability to compel them to identify confidential sources. Advocates argue these protections are essential for preserving press freedom and ensuring accountability in government.

Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists, stressed the importance of federal protections during an interview with PBS News. “It’s really important that we have that federal shield law to protect journalists at the federal level,” she said. “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.”

Trump’s opposition to the PRESS Act aligns with his contentious relationship with the media. Throughout his presidency, he repeatedly criticized journalists and news organizations, often labeling unfavorable coverage as “fake news.” Reports also suggest he supported harsh penalties for whistleblowers, including execution, and expressed interest in imprisoning reporters and revoking licenses for broadcasters whose reporting he disliked.

Despite bipartisan backing in the House, the PRESS Act remains stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Press freedom advocates and media organizations have called on lawmakers to act quickly, urging Congress to pass the bill before the current session ends.

With Trump rallying Republicans against the PRESS Act, the future of this historic legislation remains uncertain. As the debate over press freedoms heats up, this bill could determine how journalists are protected—or targeted—in the years to come.