A watchdog report reveals the Justice Department sidestepped rules in media leak investigations under the Trump administration, raising concerns about press freedom.
The Justice Department has released a report detailing its investigations into media leaks, highlighting the balance between national security and press freedom. The report, which was mandated by Congress, examines the department's policies and practices regarding the use of subpoenas, search warrants, and other legal tools to identify and prosecute government officials who leak classified information to the media. It discusses several high-profile cases, including the investigation into leaks about the FBI's probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The report acknowledges the necessity of these investigations to protect national security but also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding First Amendment rights. It suggests improvements in transparency, oversight, and the minimization of potential harm to journalists, recommending that the DOJ should only proceed with such actions when absolutely necessary and with higher levels of approval.
Politics & Government
Wed, December 11, 2024 
