Newsrooms send a united message to Hegseth: We won’t be censored

Threats to Freedom of the Press - The report highlights a campaign to undermine the American press, comparing it to the Nazi regime's "glyting" process of coordinating institutions [1][2][3] - The report points out the unprecedented attempt to control information through new policies restricting journalists' access, potentially censoring news and limiting public knowledge [6][7] - The report mentions the weaponization of national security law, particularly the Espionage Act, to potentially criminalize journalism and threaten sources [20] Government Actions and Policies - The report discusses the ousting of the director of the Dwight Eisenhower Presidential Library for refusing to comply with a request from Donald Trump [4] - The report mentions the Defense Secretary's new rules limiting news organizations' access to information, requiring pre-approval for reporting [6] - The report refers to Project 2025, which directs the Department of Justice to treat whistleblowing as espionage and investigate leaks [21][22] Resistance and Public Opinion - The report notes the rejection of the Pentagon's new requirements by major news outlets, including NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and Fox News [9] - The report indicates that nearly eight in ten Americans (approximately 80%) believe the government has gone too far in restricting free speech [22] - The report highlights a shift in public opinion, with voters becoming more pessimistic about free speech since Trump's return to office [23] Tactics and Phases of Assault on Free Press - The report outlines phases of undermining the free press: delegitimizing critical press, soft coercion through access rules and lawsuits, and weaponizing national security law [17][18][19][20] - The report mentions tactics such as filling briefing rooms with allies, labeling critical press as "fake news," and limiting access for certain news organizations [17][18][19] - The report discusses the potential for legal risks for publishing stories and the possibility of reporters becoming potential witnesses or criminals [12]