Bondi Threatens Death Penalty for Whistleblowers: Treason Accusation Sparks Outrage
The Trump administration’s aggressive pursuit of leakers, mirroring actions under previous administrations, represents a direct attack on journalistic freedoms. Attorney General Bondi’s announcement to revive the practice of seizing reporters’ phone records and compelling testimony, coupled with her threat to prosecute whistleblowers for “treason,” significantly escalates this assault on the First Amendment. This move reverses recent, albeit insufficient, protections implemented by the Biden administration, furthering a pattern of government actions that jeopardize the ability of journalists to protect their sources and report critically on the government. The lack of a federal shield law exacerbates this situation, highlighting the vulnerability of journalists to government overreach.
John Q. Hosedrinker