Sources indicate that President Donald Trump personally urged the Justice Department (DOJ) to subpoena reporters covering the war in Iran, aiming to uncover the sources of leaked information. This directive followed a meeting where Trump presented a stack of articles to the acting Attorney General, Todd Blanche.
DOJ Action and Investigation Focus
Following the meeting, the DOJ issued several subpoenas, notably to The Wall Street Journal. An official informed CNN that the DOJ's National Security Division was already preparing to investigate the sources of certain stories, an effort reportedly accelerated by Trump's intervention.
- Investigation Target: Sources clarified that the investigation is reportedly aimed at identifying government employees responsible for leaking information, rather than targeting the journalists themselves.
- Scope: These subpoenas represent one of the administration's most assertive efforts to investigate leaks concerning national security or the administration.
Context of Leak Concerns
Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration regarding the public release of classified information to reporters since his first term. His frustration has been particularly pronounced when details from his private comments or briefings regarding the Iran conflict have been made public.
- Recent Escalation: Just months into his second term, Trump publicly threatened to send an unspecified reporter to jail as part of a search for the source of reports concerning an injured Air Force officer missing in Iran.
- Blanche's Statement: Following this threat, Blanche stated that the DOJ "will always investigate" leaks involving classified information, adding, "And we will investigate if it means sending a subpoena to the reporter."
Legal and Media Response
The subpoenas have drawn strong opposition from the press, who view the actions as an infringement on constitutional rights.
- The Wall Street Journal's Response: A spokesperson for Dow Jones stated that the subpoenas represent "an attack on constitutionally protected newsgathering" and vowed to "vigorously oppose this effort to stifle and intimidate essential reporting."
- Broader Impact: The Wall Street Journal reported receiving a grand jury subpoena for records related to an article published days before the war began, concerning Pentagon warnings about the risks of an extended military campaign against Iran.
Policy Changes Enabling Oversight
In a move that eased investigative capabilities, former Attorney General Pam Bondi revised DOJ policy to allow federal investigators, in specific instances, to seek reporters' phone records, notes, or testimony via court orders, warrants, or subpoenas. This policy shift reversed a previous ban implemented after revelations that Attorney General William Barr had secretly sought reporters' emails during Trump's first term.
