> as long as it is in the US it remains vulnerable to stuff like gag orders
Only under FISA warrants where you can't reveal the investigation to the public or during a regular trial if the judge determines leaking details of the case will impact justice AFAIK.
Do you trust this administration to respect the rule of law to that degree? That is the core issue IMHO.
Probably less than most (but not all) administrations. Almost every administration has trammelled on the rule of law. FDR and Wilson come to mind as among the worsr. At least this administration has many vocal eyes on it.