Trump administration seeks government-wide NDAs to stop leaks : NPR
NPR • • general
Key Points:
- The Trump administration has proposed a new government-wide nondisclosure agreement (NDA) for all federal employees, aiming to standardize confidentiality obligations amid recent sensitive information leaks.
- The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) argues the NDA is necessary to protect federal agents and military personnel, though critics say it could broadly restrict employee speech and whistleblower protections.
- Currently, NDAs are selectively used in national security areas, but the proposed rule would allow agencies to decide on their use, marking an unprecedented expansion across the federal workforce.
- Critics, including former federal HR attorney Ray Limon, warn that the NDA's broad language might discourage lawful whistleblower disclosures despite OPM's assurances otherwise.
- The administration is seeking public input on the draft rule, including potential penalties for employees who refuse to sign the NDA.