1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern and outrage over the Department of Justice’s recent decision to rescind critical safeguards that protect journalists from government seizures of their communications, notes, and interviews. This rollback, announced via an internal memo by Attorney General Pam Bondi, reverses protections established under former Attorney General Merrick Garland, which were designed to uphold the freedom of the press — a bedrock principle of our democracy. The new policy gives the Justice Department expanded authority to subpoena or even arrest members of the press in efforts to uncover confidential sources. This chilling action threatens the independence of journalists, undermines government accountability, and strikes at the heart of the First Amendment. History teaches us that when governments are free to target and intimidate the press, democracy itself is endangered. Especially concerning is the broader context in which this move is occurring: restrictions on federal employees’ free speech, heightened secrecy, and the weaponization of national security laws like the Espionage Act against whistleblowers and journalists. These are not the hallmarks of a government committed to transparency and the rule of law. I urge you, in the strongest possible terms, to publicly denounce this alarming policy change. Furthermore, I ask that you take immediate legislative action to reinstate and strengthen legal protections for members of the press, including passing measures like the PRESS Act to ensure that journalists can operate without fear of government reprisal. A free and independent press is not a partisan issue; it is a fundamental American value. Please act swiftly to defend it.