The Trump administration is taking a significant step to curb press leaks by proposing that all federal employees, both new and current, sign non-disclosure agreements.
The Office of Personnel Management posted a notice in the Federal Register on Tuesday, asking for comment on a draft NDA that federal agencies can use. The proposed agreement aims to document employees’ acknowledgment of and agreement to comply with existing laws to safeguard confidential information. The notice includes examples of unauthorized disclosures, such as internal agency communications related to rulemaking and policy development.
NDAs for Federal Employees
The proposed NDA preserves employees’ rights to make disclosures authorized by law, including protected whistleblower disclosures. However, the move has raised concerns among journalists and government employees. The administration cited instances where FBI and Department of Homeland Security employees disclosed information without authorization, such as planned immigration enforcement actions.
The proposal comes after several high-profile instances of unauthorized disclosures, including the New York Times and Washington Post receiving information about a US raid in Venezuela. The Times’ executive editor, Joe Kahn, denied claims that the newspaper had verified details about the operation and withheld publication at the request of the Trump administration.
Crackdown on Leaks
The administration’s efforts to locate and prevent leaks have been ongoing, with multiple agencies prioritizing the issue. In January, the FBI seized a Washington Post reporter’s phone and other devices as part of an investigation into a government contractor. Last year, dozens of reporters returned their access badges at the Pentagon rather than comply with new rules that could leave them vulnerable to expulsion.
The proposal has significant implications for government transparency and the ability of journalists to report on important issues. As the administration continues to crack down on leaks, the impact on the public’s right to know and the role of a free press in holding those in power accountable will be closely watched.
