The Intercept’s Press Freedom Defense Fund Leads Cohort Fighting Trump’s Unconstitutional Media Attacks
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
42 media organizations filed a federal court challenge to a Trump executive order that sanctions law firms defending the president's political opponents.
How This Affects You
If upheld, this order could reduce your access to independent legal defense against government actions by penalizing attorneys who challenge administration policies.
AI Summary
The Intercept's Press Freedom Defense Fund led 42 media organizations and press freedom advocates in filing an amicus brief Thursday with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia challenging a Trump administration executive order that sanctions law firms for representing the president's political opponents. The brief, authored by Andrew Sellars and Kendra Albert of Albert Sellars LLP, argues the executive order restricts press organizations' access to legal counsel by penalizing attorneys who take pro bono cases against the administration's agenda. Four District Court judges have already found the order unconstitutional, and the appellate brief asks the D.C. Circuit to affirm those decisions. David Bralow, PFDF's legal director, said the coalition filed to "prevent the administration's unconstitutional efforts to intimidate lawyers fulfilling their professional oaths." The coalition includes news organizations, press associations, and media law firms with over five centuries of combined First Amendment experience.
What's Being Done
Four District Court judges have already found the order unconstitutional; an amicus brief was filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia asking to affirm those decisions.
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
Civil Rights‘Paradox’ for journalists in Lebanon: ‘High press freedom, extremely low safety preparedness'
Haxie Meyers-Belkin is pleased to welcome Ayman Mhanna, Executive Director of the Beirut-based Samir Kassir Foundation. He describes a media landscape in which expressive freedom coexists with insecurity. The conditions necessary to protect journalists remain dangerously insufficient, particularly in war zones, where targeting the press has become normalised. Mhanna sees tension within Lebanese society, between enduring traditions of solidarity and a rising tide of polarisation. If left unchecked, this internal fragmentation risks becoming more damaging than the conflict that provoked it.
Government TransparencyNew York Times says Pentagon is ignoring court order on press access
A New York Times attorney claims the Pentagon has flouted a court order blocking it from enforcing a policy limiting news reporters' access to the Defense Department's headquarters.
Government TransparencyTrump administration cannot alter homelessness funding conditions, US court rules - reuters.com
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMizgFBVV95cUxONnE5X3djeXAxZE9FdmhMVElGUTM0NktDUDZxUHBYNUxKSGMwRFRWMmMzZlN3R1ZQWmRURjBlR3ZLS2E0OFJnd2tsdEh4ZlRCRkpFNVFTUkRuVkpfSmcwY2pId0h4VTZ3b3ZxenNrcUFUTFRadGh2cG1aNFVkenRsa1g4OWpHRmpRMzVhYTdzUHB0VDM0OUdhY2c5ejlBQWo2Yk9Sb05INFpJdGVfbm5DeUlCamk2T0tUa0RpcncwQzVPQWtEQVJtT25YeF95dw?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump administration cannot alter homelessness funding conditions, US court rules</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
PoliticsDNC Resolution to Reject AIPAC Funding Puts Democratic Leaders in the Hot Seat
The symbolic resolution could force Democrats to take a stand on the millions the increasingly toxic AIPAC spends on Democratic primaries. The post DNC Resolution to Reject AIPAC Funding Puts Democratic Leaders in the Hot Seat appeared first on The Intercept .
PoliticsAOC vows to block future US military aid to Israel, its Iron Dome and defense
<p>Ocasio-Cortez says Israel can fund its own defense and she will oppose any new US aid amid human rights concerns</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2026/apr/02/trump-white-house-ballroom-republicans-dhs-funding-deal-tariffs-latest-news-updates">US politics live – latest updates</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&utm_campaign=BN22326&utm_content=signup&utm_term=standfirst&utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email</a></p></li></ul><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/alexandria-ocasio-cortez">Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez</a>, a US representative, said on Wednesday that she will oppose any future US military aid to Israel, including for defensive systems.</p><p>In a <a href="https://x.com/AOC/status/2039423946504978712">statement</a> on social ...
GlobalUkraine looks to leverage its help to Gulf states fighting Iran drones in exchange for interceptors - Fortune
Trump's VA killed a home loan program. Vets are now losing their homes because of it
Foreclosures on VA loans are at their highest level in a decade. VA has a fix but it is months away and could still leave vets worse off than most other homeowners.
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
'The gravest crime against humanity': What does the UN vote on slavery mean?
After 16 years and $8 billion, the military's new GPS software still doesn't work
US paves way for private assets to be included in 401(k) retirement plans - Reuters
The Justice Department plans to share sensitive voter data with Homeland Security
Secret Service agent assigned to Jill Biden accidentally shoots himself in leg at airport - AP News
