John,
According to The Washington Post and multiple news outlets, the FBI executed a search warrant this week at the Virginia home of The Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson as part of a federal investigation.
Federal agents seized Natanson’s phone, two laptops — including one issued by The Washington Post — and even her personal smartwatch during the search. She was at home at the time and was told she is not the target of the investigation, but her devices and house were searched anyway.
This is an extraordinarily rare step and it raises profound concerns about press freedom and source protection in America.
Over the past year, we’ve seen increasing attacks from Trump and his administration on the press: federal policies that roll back protections for journalists, attempts to restrict access for major news outlets like the AP, and lawsuits targeting news organizations like ABC, CBS and the Wall Street Journal for their reporting.
These actions are designed to do one thing and one thing only, scare the news media, reporters and their sources into silence.
When that happens, the public knows less. That’s devastating for democracy. And that's why COURIER exists.
We don’t answer to billionaire boards or politicians. We don’t cower before fear tactics and intimidation.
If you believe a free press is essential to democracy — especially when it’s under threat — we’re asking for your support today.
Can you chip in $26, or whatever you can, to help power independent journalism right now?
Chip in $26 Or give what works for you
In solidarity,
COURIER Newsroom