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DOJ Restores Broad Powers to Subpoena Journalists in Leak Probes

Attorney General Pam Bondi rescinds Biden-era protections, citing national security concerns and the need to punish unauthorized disclosures.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announces the arrest of gang members involved in four homicides, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
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Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks with reporters at the White House, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks to members of the media at the White House in Washington,DC, U.S., April 8, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo

Overview

  • Attorney General Pam Bondi has reversed a 2021 policy established by Merrick Garland, allowing the Justice Department to subpoena journalists' records and compel testimony in leak investigations.
  • The new regulations permit subpoenas, search warrants, and court orders against news organizations, with procedural safeguards like senior-level approval and advance notice to journalists.
  • Bondi cited concerns about leaks undermining national security and President Trump’s policies, describing such actions as harmful and illegal.
  • The policy change follows criminal referrals by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard regarding alleged leaks of classified information to media outlets.
  • Press freedom advocates warn the rollback endangers investigative journalism and the free flow of information, vital for government accountability.