Updated
Updated · The New Republic · Jun 23
Trump DOJ Withdraws 4 Grand Jury Subpoenas for Post, Journal Reporters
Updated
Updated · The New Republic · Jun 23

Trump DOJ Withdraws 4 Grand Jury Subpoenas for Post, Journal Reporters

3 articles · Updated · The New Republic · Jun 23

Summary

  • Four journalists — one from The Washington Post and three from The Wall Street Journal — had grand jury subpoenas rescinded this month after the Justice Department sought testimony in leak investigations.
  • The subpoenas targeted national security reporters over vague security concerns, including Pentagon leaks tied to the Iran war, and would have forced them into the grand jury process.
  • The Post had been fighting reporter Ellen Nakashima’s subpoena when the DOJ abruptly withdrew it without explanation; the department has not commented on either the filings or the reversals.
  • Press advocates and the news organizations called the move a serious First Amendment threat, saying compelling reporters to aid investigations intrudes on newsgathering and escalates pressure on the press.

Insights

With reporter protections weakened, what precedent does this withdrawn subpoena set for future leak investigations?
Could new data-centric security tech make subpoenas against journalists obsolete in future leak investigations?