U.S. Citizen Who Deleted Phone’s Data Says His Prosecution Puts Privacy at Risk
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-21 04:02:00 — www.nytimes.com
Trump Administration Directive Expands Domestic Terrorism Definition, Raising Civil Liberties Concerns
A sweeping directive issued by President Trump last September, known as National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 (NSPM-7), has come under scrutiny after it expanded the definition of domestic terrorism to include crimes such as obstructing immigration enforcement. This policy shift is now at the center of a high-profile federal prosecution in Atlanta, where Samuel Tunick, a musician and activist, faces obstruction charges after erasing the contents of his phone during a customs search.
NSPM-7 and Its Impact
According to Tunick, he has been “ensnared by National Security Presidential Memorandum-7, or NSPM-7, a sweeping directive issued by President Trump last September that expanded the definition of domestic terrorism to include crimes like getting in the way of immigration enforcement.” This expansion has led to federal authorities charging individuals with destroying evidence, even when using privacy tools designed to protect personal data.
Criticism of the Trump Administration’s Approach
Tunick and his supporters argue that the Trump administration’s directive targets left-wing movements under what they call the “bogus pretense of domestic terrorism.” He describes the policy as “a direct attack on our First Amendment rights to free speech and free assembly.” The case has also highlighted concerns about warrantless surveillance and the broad authority granted to federal agencies to search electronic devices at the border.
Broader Implications for Privacy and Protest
The prosecution of Tunick, who was involved in the movement against the planned “Cop City” police and fire training center in Atlanta, is one of the earliest known instances of federal authorities charging a person for using privacy tools to wipe a device. Cybersecurity experts warn that such prosecutions send a chilling message that using privacy-focused software could be treated as criminal by default.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s NSPM-7 directive has significantly broadened the scope of what federal authorities can classify as domestic terrorism, raising serious questions about civil liberties and the right to privacy. As cases like Tunick’s move through the courts, the debate continues over the balance between national security and fundamental constitutional rights.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/21/us/politics/samuel-tunick-deleted-phone-felony.html