The Trump administration is moving forward with a plan to implement a government-wide nondisclosure agreement (NDA) that would restrict federal employees from sharing confidential government information with journalists, according to a draft notice published in the Federal Register on Tuesday by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Details of the Proposed NDA
As first reported by The Washington Post, the new rule aims to curb leaks of sensitive information to news organizations. The OPM stated that a standardized NDA form would promote consistency across federal agencies, better protect confidential information, and ensure employees understand their rights and obligations regarding such data. The proposed NDA would be an optional form, meaning agencies could choose whether to adopt it.
Controversy and Context
The proposal has drawn criticism for its potential impact on whistleblowers and press freedom. Critics note the irony given the Trump administration’s own history with mishandling confidential information. For instance, last year, cabinet officials accidentally texted The Atlantic’s top editor about active military strike plans on an app that the Pentagon had recently warned was targeted by Russian hackers.
Additionally, federal investigations and court filings earlier this year revealed that operatives from the so-called Department of Government Efficiency improperly accessed, shared, and stored sensitive personal data while working within federal agencies, raising questions about the administration’s commitment to protecting confidential information.
