Justice Department Undermines Journalist Protections in New Leak Policy

The Justice Department, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, has rescinded Biden-era protections that restricted prosecutors from seizing reporters' records and compelling testimony as part of leak investigations. The new regulations allow federal prosecutors to issue subpoenas, serve search warrants, and require journalists to testify about their confidential sources, marking a return to more aggressive tactics previously used in past administrations. Bondi justified the move by citing recent alleged leaks of classified information and stating that holding leakers accountable is necessary to protect national security and uphold the rule of law. Press freedom advocates and journalism organizations have voiced strong concerns, warning that the policy change could undermine media independence, government transparency, and the public's right to know. The policy shift is seen by critics as a threat to critical journalism, raising fears of increased surveillance and pressure on reporters to reveal sources. The DOJ's new rules include a requirement for journalists to receive advance notice of investigative actions, but critics argue this does little to mitigate the broader risks posed to press freedom.