"Limitations of US law shield most journalists, but long-term use of the Espionage Act to prosecute leakers provides Trump an alleyway to attack critics. Reporter John Bowden provides analysis about what Patel’s nomination could mean for the First Amendement"
"The nomination of Kash Patel to serve as America’s next FBI director is a warning shot across the bow for journalists — as Donald Trump’s threats to attack the First Amendement intensifies.
Patel, a longtime Trump loyalist, served in the previous administration in a political appointment at the Pentagon. Now, he’ll be in charge of the nation’s largest law enforcement agency, pending approval by the Senate.
His nomination, coupled with president-elect Trump’s clear desire for a similar close ally at the head of the Justice Department, is a sign that the incoming president wants those agencies firmly in his pocket. And Patel has largely laid out his vision for what that will look like."
John Bowden reports for the Independent December 1, 2024.
SEE ALSO:
"Conspiracy Theorist Kash Patel, Trump’s Pick To Lead FBI, Faces Senate Blowback" (Guardian)
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/01/kash-patel-trump-fbi-pick
"Trump's Decision To Tap Kash Patel For FBI Director Sends Shockwaves Through Washington" (CBS News)
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kash-patel-fbi-director-pick-donald-trump-r...
"A Second Trump Administration Will ‘Come After’ People In The Media In The Courts, An Ally Says" (AP)
https://apnews.com/article/trump-2024-second-term-prosecute-media-b892fd...
"Trump Hurls Attacks At Maggie Haberman In Midnight Meltdown About Her Reporting" (HuffPost)
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/maggie-haberman-trump-attack_n_6745acace4...
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