The Trump administration has accused journalists from ProPublica of stalking while they sought to report on the Department of Education’s efforts to undermine public education. This situation highlights the challenges faced by reporters in a political environment that increasingly labels journalistic inquiries as harassment.
In mid-August, ProPublica’s Megan O’Matz began reaching out to the Department of Education to secure an interview regarding its controversial initiatives. O’Matz’s efforts included contacting key officials such as Lindsey Burke, deputy chief of staff for policy and programs, and Meg Kilgannon, director of strategic partnerships. The goal was to provide those involved an opportunity to comment on the impending article.
The department’s response was minimal. Madison Biedermann, a spokesperson for the department, advised O’Matz to direct inquiries to the press office, which was unresponsive. The press office’s phone line, marked “temporarily closed,” proved to be a significant barrier to communication. Attempts to follow up via email and phone went unanswered, prompting O’Matz to escalate her inquiries.
On August 29, Kilgannon abruptly declined to comment during a brief phone call and did not follow up with any details about the article. As the deadline approached, O’Matz reached out to the department’s chief of staff, seeking assistance in arranging interviews. A letter was later sent to Burke’s home address, delineating ProPublica’s findings and requesting corrections or additional context.
On September 17, Biedermann responded with a critical email, accusing O’Matz of inappropriate practices, including contacting employees at their homes and personal phones. She described these actions as disturbing and bordering on intimidation. In her communication, Biedermann asserted that the department had the right to choose not to respond to media inquiries, reiterating that ProPublica was not entitled to a response.
The article, published on October 8, 2023, followed a lengthy two-month period of seeking information from the department. It emerged in a climate where the Trump administration has claimed to be the most transparent in history while simultaneously restricting public access to information. As the administration labeled journalists as “fake news,” the environment for reporters has become increasingly hostile.
This hostility is not isolated to O’Matz’s experience. Doug Bock Clark, another ProPublica journalist, faced significant pushback while investigating North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby. After Newby refused to comment, Clark interviewed over 70 individuals connected to him, including his daughter. The response from the North Carolina Republican Party’s communication director labeled Clark’s inquiries as a “jihad” against their party, demanding that he drop the story.
In another instance, Vernal Coleman, a reporter covering the Department of Veterans Affairs, encountered similar backlash. Coleman visited a potential source’s home in Michigan to discuss the impact of the Trump administration’s policies on veterans’ healthcare. Following his visit, VA Secretary Doug Collins publicly accused him of stalking.
These incidents underscore a troubling trend where journalistic practices are mischaracterized as threats. Legal precedents affirm that federal employees have a right to engage with the press without fear of repercussions. The actions taken by O’Matz, Clark, and Coleman reflect a commitment to thorough and fair reporting.
The atmosphere surrounding journalism is fraught with challenges, particularly as political figures increasingly vilify the press. As ProPublica approaches 2026, it remains dedicated to uncovering stories of public interest while continuing to uphold journalistic integrity by allowing subjects a chance to respond.
The landscape for journalists has evolved significantly since the days captured in films like “All the President’s Men” and “Spotlight,” which illustrated the vital role of investigative reporting. As the public continues to demand accountability and transparency, the fallout from these accusations serves as a reminder of the essential role that journalism plays in democracy.
