White House proposes NDAs for federal workers to crack down on leaks to journalists | Trump administration
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-05-26 13:20:00 — www.theguardian.com
Trump Administration Proposes Nondisclosure Agreements for Federal Employees
In a controversial move that raises concerns about transparency and press freedom, the Trump administration on Tuesday proposed requiring federal employees to sign nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) aimed at preventing the sharing of confidential information with journalists. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the human resources office for the U.S. government, released a draft NDA that would allow the administration to pursue civil and criminal penalties against employees who violate the agreement.
Details of the Proposed NDA
According to the draft, the government would be entitled to any “royalties” that employees receive from disclosing information that breaches the NDA. The OPM did not provide further clarification on the proposal. An OPM spokesperson, McLaurine Pinover, stated, “This move is rooted in concerns that unauthorized disclosures of sensitive government information are disrupting agency operations and eroding trust across government.”
Under the proposed agreement, former government employees would need “written permission from an authorized agency official” to speak to journalists about information deemed “confidential” after leaving their positions. Violating this rule could result in civil and criminal penalties.
Legal Protections for Whistleblowers
It is important to note that federal law prohibits retaliation against workers who disclose fraud, abuse, and misconduct to internal watchdogs and Congress. The NDA would not apply to these disclosures, according to the draft agreement. However, critics argue that the NDA could create a chilling effect on whistleblowers.
Trump’s Ongoing War on the Press
Since resuming office, Trump has intensified his campaign against media outlets and journalists he perceives as critical. He has labeled coverage as “fake news,” filed lawsuits against various news organizations, and personally attacked journalists. His administration has also restricted access for reporters, including banning the Associated Press from the White House press pool and limiting access at the Pentagon.
Criticism from Labor Leaders
Steve Lenkart, executive director of the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), criticized the administration’s use of NDAs, stating, “The Trump administration has long used nondisclosures and other similar agreements to pressure federal workers into silence.” He noted that last year, the Pentagon considered using NDAs and polygraph tests to prevent leaks to the press and internal dissent.
Lenkart further emphasized that “NDAs do not supersede federal law or the constitution. Federal employees retain protected rights to communicate with Congress, inspectors general, and, in many circumstances, the press regarding government misconduct and matters related to their employment.”
Concerns Over Accountability
Everett Kelley, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, expressed alarm over the proposed NDA, calling it an attempt to “purge the civil service of nonpartisan career employees and replace them with loyalists who won’t speak out against waste, fraud, and abuse.” He asserted, “Federal employees do not surrender their First Amendment rights when they accept federal employment, and the public has a right to know about this administration’s abuses.”
Conclusion
The proposed nondisclosure agreements represent a significant shift in how the Trump administration seeks to control the flow of information from federal employees to the public. As concerns mount over transparency and accountability, the implications of such agreements could have lasting effects on whistleblower protections and the relationship between government employees and the press. The public’s right to know about government actions remains a critical issue as this proposal unfolds.
Reuters contributed reporting.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/26/federal-workers-ndas