The Trump administration has accused journalists from ProPublica of “stalking” while they pursued a story related to the Department of Education’s efforts to undermine public education. This summer, reporters sought comments from officials involved in significant policy decisions as part of their investigation. Their attempts to engage with the subjects of their reporting highlight the challenges faced by journalists in obtaining information in an increasingly hostile environment.
ProPublica’s Midwest reporter, Megan O’Matz, initiated contact with the Department of Education’s press office in mid-August. Her outreach included emails to key administration figures, such as Lindsey Burke, the deputy chief of staff for policy and programs, and Meg Kilgannon, the director of strategic partnerships. In response to O’Matz’s request, department spokesperson Madison Biedermann instructed her to direct all inquiries to the department’s official email.
Despite multiple attempts to secure a response, including follow-up emails and phone messages, the department’s communication channels remained largely unresponsive. The press office’s published phone number indicated it was “temporarily closed,” complicating efforts to engage with the agency. O’Matz’s persistence included a letter sent via FedEx to Burke’s home outlining the reporting findings and inviting her to comment or clarify any inaccuracies.
On September 17, Biedermann responded, condemning ProPublica’s outreach methods as “highly inappropriate and unprofessional.” She criticized the news organization for contacting officials on personal devices and at home, deeming it borderline intimidation. ProPublica countered that reaching out for comments is a standard journalistic practice, essential for fairness and accuracy.
The tensions between the Trump administration and the press have escalated in recent years. While President Trump maintains that his administration is the most transparent in history, many have observed a stark contrast in practice. Agencies have removed access to datasets, and public information has become harder to obtain. As a result, journalists have faced vilification for their efforts to report the truth.
Similar incidents involving ProPublica reporters demonstrate a broader pattern of resistance from officials. Doug Bock Clark, a reporter in ProPublica’s South office, faced pushback while investigating North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby. After failing to secure Newby’s cooperation, Clark reached out to over 70 people connected to him, including his daughter, Sarah, who works for the North Carolina GOP. In response, the party’s communications director labeled ProPublica’s inquiries as a “jihad” against Republicans.
Another case involved Vernal Coleman, a Midwest reporter focused on the Department of Veterans Affairs. Coleman visited a potential source in Michigan to discuss the impact of budget cuts on veteran care. Following his visit, VA Secretary Doug Collins accused Coleman of “stalking” the employee. Legal precedents affirm that federal employees have the right to engage with the media, reinforcing that journalistic inquiries do not constitute harassment.
As ProPublica continues its commitment to public interest journalism, the organization emphasizes the importance of providing subjects an opportunity to respond before publication. This practice is critical for maintaining journalistic integrity, especially in a climate where transparency is frequently contested.
The article detailing these interactions was published on October 8, 2023, nearly two months after the initial outreach to the Department of Education. ProPublica remains dedicated to uncovering stories of significance while navigating the challenges posed by governmental resistance. The commitment to fair reporting remains steadfast, with the expectation that accurate journalism serves the public interest.
