Stop the Attacks on Whistleblowers and Free Speech

The Trump administration’s growing attacks on whistleblowers and free speech threaten the heart of American democracy. The Department of Labor recently warned staff they could face criminal charges for speaking to journalists or former colleagues, a move that chills transparency and punishes those who expose misconduct (ProPublica, April 2025). This fits a larger pattern. Harvard University faces a freeze on over $2 billion in funding for defending academic freedom (WTOP, April 2025), and the American Bar Association is suing the Department of Justice over retaliation for criticism (Reuters, April 2025). Meanwhile, the firing of Hampton Dellinger, head of the Office of Special Counsel, further weakens protections for federal whistleblowers (Wikipedia, April 2025). Whistleblowers and independent institutions are essential to a functioning democracy. I urge you to act now: strengthen legal protections, defend free speech, and hold this administration accountable. Democracy depends on brave individuals—and leaders willing to stand with them.