Under Attack: when Reporting the truth Becomes a Target
For investigative journalists, the pursuit of truth isn’t always welcomed. Increasingly, our work – holding power accountable - is met not with reasoned debate, but with direct attacks designed to intimidate reporters and stifle vital reporting. This isn’t a hypothetical concern; it’s a growing reality at ProPublica, and a worrying trend for American journalism as a whole.
Recently, several of our colleagues have faced aggressive pushback for simply doing their jobs. This isn’t about errors or biased reporting. It’s about powerful individuals attempting to discredit and silence those who dare to investigate them. Let me share what’s been happening, and why you should be concerned.
The Pressure to Back Down
One of our senior editors received a direct and unsettling message. A source, clearly attempting to influence our coverage, strongly suggested we “drop this story.” (The emphasis was their own.) This kind of pressure is unacceptable, and a clear attempt to interfere with independent journalism.
We won’t be bullied.Our commitment is to you, the public, and to uncovering information that matters.
Targeting Veterans Affairs Reporting: The Case of Vernal Coleman
The attacks aren’t limited to veiled threats. Consider the experience of Vernal Coleman, a dedicated reporter on our Midwest team investigating the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). His team’s reporting has revealed critical issues:
* Impact of Budget Cuts: They’ve documented how Trump governance cuts jeopardized crucial cancer research and veterans’ care. (https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-veterans-affairs-budget-staff-cuts-jeopardize-cancer-research)
* Doctor Shortages: They’ve reported that nearly 40% of doctors offered positions at the VA declined them. (https://www.propublica.org/article/veterans-affairs-hospital-shortages-trump)
Vernal was pursuing a story and attempted to contact a potential source at their home.He identified himself as a reporter and engaged in a polite conversation, but the source ultimately declined to comment without authorization.
This routine journalistic practice – door-knocking – was instantly twisted. VA Secretary Doug Collins falsely accused Vernal of “stalking” the employee.
Let’s be clear: door-knocking is not stalking. As Gina Barton of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel eloquently explains, it’s a fundamental method for reporters to gather information. (https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2023/06/08/knocking-on-a-door-isnt-against-the-law-its-how-reporters-find-the-truth/70297805007/) furthermore, federal employees have a First amendment right to speak with the press, a right repeatedly upheld by the courts. (https://www.poynter.org/business-work/2019/government-agencies-cant-stop-employees-from-talking-to-the-press-heres-why/)
The Fallout: Threats and false Accusations
The consequences of this mischaracterization were severe. Vernal received threatening notes following Secretary Collins’s tweet. When confronted, a VA spokesperson doubled down, calling Vernal’s visit “rude, creepy and stalker-like.”
The spokesperson then accused ProPublica of hypocrisy, claiming we “literally do the exact same thing in every story.” This is a blatant distortion. Our mission
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