Trump Urges Republicans to Block Bipartisan Press Freedom Bill

The PRESS Act, designed to protect journalists from government surveillance, faces opposition from President-elect Trump despite bipartisan support in Congress.

The PRESS Act seeks to establish federal protections for journalists, shielding them from being compelled to reveal sources or surrender sensitive information, with limited exceptions for terrorism or imminent violence.
The bill passed the House of Representatives unanimously earlier this year but has stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee, where a few Republican senators have expressed opposition.
President-elect Donald Trump called on Republicans to block the legislation, citing his long-standing criticism of the press and sharing a PBS interview advocating for the bill's passage.
Press freedom advocates argue the bill is essential to prevent government overreach and protect whistleblowers, noting that both Democratic and Republican administrations have previously targeted journalists.
The bill's bipartisan sponsors, including Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), emphasize its importance in safeguarding First Amendment rights and ensuring independent journalism.