DEFIANCE.ORG

Defending independent reporters

A free press is essential to democracy. When journalists face government retaliation, legal harassment, or politically motivated investigations, it threatens not just one reporter — but the public’s right to know.

DEFIANCE.org has launched an emergency initiative to support independent journalists who are targeted by the Trump administration for doing their jobs. The program will provide financial assistance to help cover legal costs and other expenses tied to responding to government pressure.

Don Lemon and Georgia Fort will be the first journalists this initiative supports as they confront escalating legal challenges. We announced an initial grant of $10,000 from our Members to this effort — and we urge you to help us do much more. You can contribute BELOW. We’ve reached out to both Don and Georgia’s legal teams to make sure they get this support, where needed, ASAP.

Additional journalists will receive assistance as similar cases arise. This is why we exist. The Trump regime is flooding the zone with abuses of power. And in response, we will crowd-source courage.

help us defend independent reporters

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You will be added to our communications via Substack. Please note: contributions are NOT tax-deductible. See www.DEFIANCE.org/about for the important reason why. By submitting, you affirm you are a U.S. person and not contributing on behalf of a foreign national or entity. DEFIANCE.org reserves the right to reject or refund donations that do not comply with U.S. law or organizational policy.

How your support will be used

Contributions to this initiative will support DEFIANCE.org’s efforts to provide direct financial assistance for legal defense and related response costs for independent journalists facing government retaliation.

Funds raised will go toward direct support, and a small portion may be used to cover the essential administrative and operational costs required to run the program responsibly, including vetting, oversight, and coordination.

Funds will not be transferred to the targets of retaliation but directly to support their defense, e.g. paying for lawyers, security, etc.

Donations are not tax-deductible.

why this matters

Legal intimidation is increasingly being used to silence independent journalism. Defending reporters who come under pressure helps protect press freedom, accountability, and the public’s right to know.

Your support helps ensure independent journalists can defend themselves — and continue their work without fear.

You can make a one-time donation to this effort above, as we prepare to respond to the Trump administration’s anti-journalism revenge machine.

join the defiance

DEFIANCE.org is a club for courageous Americans who want to know, "WHAT CAN I DO?" Each month, we give Members options to defy the Trump administration’s abuses of power, including supporting remarkable groups across America committed to upholding the Constitution and democratic norms. Then we take action, together. Become a Member at DEFIANCE.org.