The administration of President Donald Trump has proposed allowing federal agencies to require employees to sign non disclosure agreements aimed at preventing leaks of confidential information to journalists. The Office of Personnel Management released a draft agreement that agencies could use for both new and current employees, giving them discretion over whether to implement the requirement.

Under the draft, employees who violate the agreement could face civil and criminal penalties. Former employees would need written permission from an authorized agency official before sharing information deemed confidential, and the government could claim any royalties earned from unauthorized disclosures. The proposal is part of a broader effort by the president to tighten control over federal workers and challenge media organizations over coverage he considers inaccurate.

Federal law protections for whistleblowers would remain in place, allowing workers to report fraud, abuse, or misconduct to internal watchdogs and Congress. The administration has previously required select officials, including some in the military, to sign similar agreements while also taking steps to limit media access to government institutions.