Protect Free Speech and Government Transparency

I am extremely concerned about the alarming erosion of free speech and the increasing censorship being imposed by the current administration. The Pentagon’s recent removal of respected media outlets like NPR, The New York Times, and NBC News—replacing them with partisan platforms such as Newsmax and OAN—is a blatant attempt to control the narrative and silence dissenting voices. Under new restrictions, Pentagon reporters are now required to seek approval before publishing even unclassified information, limiting their ability to gather facts independently and undermining the public’s right to transparent and accountable governance. Then, President Trump publicly celebrated the suspension of critical voices like Jimmy Kimmel and filed lawsuits against major outlets like The New York Times for unfavorable coverage. The administration’s threats to numerous long-standing broadcast licenses further signifies their push to replace mainstream media with ideologically aligned platforms. Now, the postponement of key reports by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the termination of the USDA’s annual food insecurity survey—both critical tools for understanding economic and social conditions—appear to be politically motivated. These decisions deprive the public and policymakers of essential data, undermining transparency and accountability. These are not isolated incidents—they are authoritarian tactics aimed at consolidating power and eliminating opposition. They are assaults on the very fabric of our democracy. You must take immediate and decisive action to: 1. Reinstate Pentagon access for reputable, independent media outlets. 2. Prohibit government retaliation to suppress or punish journalistic activity. 3. Investigate and publicly address the suppression of government reports and data. 4. Uphold the First Amendment and defend the right of every American to speak freely, criticize leadership, and access truthful information. Please stand firm against censorship and authoritarianism and restore the democratic values that make our nation strong.