Justice Department Report Reveals Seizure of Reporter Records

A new report from the U.S. Department of Justice's Inspector General found that federal prosecutors bypassed internal guidelines when seizing phone records of journalists and congressional staff during leak investigations under the Trump administration. The investigation revealed that the DOJ did not fully comply with rules intended to protect reporters' communications, leading to concerns about First Amendment rights. Notably, the report highlights instances where records from prominent media outlets, including CNN and The New York Times, were obtained without proper approvals. The findings come amid rising fears that the incoming administration could reverse policies limiting such practices, especially following statements from President-elect Trump's pick for FBI director, Kash Patel, who has expressed a desire to target media members. Advocacy groups are calling for the passage of the PRESS Act to safeguard journalists from government overreach. This report underscores the ongoing debate about press freedom and government accountability.