In a shocking display of the Trump administration's willingness to stifle press freedom, two journalists – Don Lemon and Georgia Fort – were arrested last Friday for reporting on a protest at a Minneapolis-area church. The Department of Justice claimed that Lemon's crime was doing a live stream report from start to finish, while Fort was accused of approaching the pastor, who also happens to work for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in "close proximity" and asking questions.
The FACE Act – Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act – is a 1994 law designed to protect those seeking abortions without restricting First Amendment-protected speech. However, the Trump administration has twisted this law to target journalists who report on public events, essentially silencing those who seek to hold those in power accountable.
Critics point out that covering a protest, including one inside a church, is not a crime and asking questions does not constitute an infringement on religious freedom. The FACE Act itself specifically states that it only applies to actions that involve restricting physical access or causing reasonable fear of harm.
This move by the Trump administration is part of a broader pattern of attacks on press freedom. Just last month, federal agents raided the home of a Washington Post reporter and seized her devices in an investigation into leaks. This kind of behavior is not only chilling for journalists but also undermines the very foundation of democracy.
As one journalist puts it, "What's critical is that the media cover this attack, look at the administration's motivations, and pay attention to who is being prosecuted." The Press Freedom Defense Fund is working to support journalists like Fort who are under fire.
The FACE Act – Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act – is a 1994 law designed to protect those seeking abortions without restricting First Amendment-protected speech. However, the Trump administration has twisted this law to target journalists who report on public events, essentially silencing those who seek to hold those in power accountable.
Critics point out that covering a protest, including one inside a church, is not a crime and asking questions does not constitute an infringement on religious freedom. The FACE Act itself specifically states that it only applies to actions that involve restricting physical access or causing reasonable fear of harm.
This move by the Trump administration is part of a broader pattern of attacks on press freedom. Just last month, federal agents raided the home of a Washington Post reporter and seized her devices in an investigation into leaks. This kind of behavior is not only chilling for journalists but also undermines the very foundation of democracy.
As one journalist puts it, "What's critical is that the media cover this attack, look at the administration's motivations, and pay attention to who is being prosecuted." The Press Freedom Defense Fund is working to support journalists like Fort who are under fire.
the trump admin is literally silencing journalists left & right... it's so shady that they're using a 30 yr old law from the face act to target reporters at protests what's next, gonna make them pay for showing up? and federal agents raiding someone's home over leaks? that's just straight up censorship 
the media needs to keep shining a light on this stuff & not back down no matter how hard they try to shut us up 
. I think it's completely understandable that Don Lemon and Georgia Fort were just doing their job reporting on a public event, you know? They weren't trying to incite anything or cause any harm. And asking questions to someone who happens to work for ICE doesn't sound like an unreasonable thing to do.
. And as you said, covering a protest isn't a crime and asking questions can't be seen as infringing on someone's freedom of speech. It just doesn't add up.
. It's not just about press freedom, it's about holding those in power accountable and making sure we have an informed public.
And what's with the raid on that Washington Post reporter's home? That's some serious intimidation tactics right there.
. If we don't stand up for press freedom, we risk losing our freedom altogether. It's not just a matter of reporting on what's happening - it's about the very foundations of our society 
.
"Those who know what they want are rarely discouraged by the way others see things" - Thomas Jefferson 
. It's outrageous that they're using a law meant to protect clinics to silence reporters 
. Can't we just say what we think without being threatened with arrest? 
This is getting crazy! I mean, who gets arrested for doing their job? 
. The FACE Act is supposed to protect abortion clinics, not stifle press freedom! 
. It's time for some real answers from the Trump administration - what are they hiding? 
they r straight up silencing journalists!! don lemon & georgia fort got arrested 4 reporting on a protest 
can't believe they're still trying to silence the press. I mean, come on, a live stream report from start to finish? 
that's just basic reporting skills. And "close proximity" to a pastor asking questions? 
sounds like a legit reason for an arrest to me (laughs). 
. 
. Those two reporters were just doing their job and now they're facing serious consequences 
. The government's got to stop this kind of thing before it's too late 
. What's the point of having a free press if we can't even report on public events without getting tossed in jail? 
We need to make sure our voices are heard and our reporters are protected! 
gotta give props to the Press Freedom Defense Fund for stepping up and supporting these brave journalists 
news outlets need to keep covering these stories and holding those in power accountable 
#PressFreedomMatters #JournalismIsKey #FreeThePress
This latest move by the Trump admin is totally unacceptable! I mean, come on, covering a protest or asking questions to a pastor isn't gonna get you arrested! 
. I mean, come on, covering a protest in a church isn't a crime, especially not when you're doing your job 
.
. But we can't let that happen, not now, not ever 
. And if you're not a journalist, then let your voice be heard in support of us 
. We need a free press to hold our leaders accountable and to keep them on their toes 
!
. Like, do they even know what the FACE Act is?! 
.
So why is the admin tryin 2 twist it 4 their own gain?!? Like, what's next?!? They gotta raid every single journalist's home 4 askn them a few quesnionz 
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. Like, dont let this administration get away w/ silencing us!!!