DOJ watchdog report/ journalist phone records seized/ media leak investigations/ DOJ policy violations/ press freedom and national security/ WASHINGTON/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A Justice Department watchdog report reveals federal prosecutors bypassed internal policies when seizing journalists’ phone records during leak investigations under the Trump administration. The actions raise fresh concerns as the incoming administration signals a more aggressive stance toward media leaks.
DOJ’s Handling of Journalist Records: Quick Looks
- Watchdog Report: Prosecutors bypassed key department rules in obtaining reporters’ phone records.
- Affected Parties: Records from reporters, congressional staffers, and White House officials were seized.
- Policy Lapses: Lack of oversight by the News Media Review Committee and improper use of non-disclosure agreements.
- Future Concerns: Incoming Trump administration appointees hint at a renewed crackdown on leaks.
- Historical Context: Similar controversies occurred under both Democratic and Republican administrations.
Inspector General: Trump DOJ Improperly Subpoenaed Lawmakers, Staff 2020
Deep Look
The Justice Department’s handling of media leak investigations during the Trump administration is under renewed scrutiny following a watchdog report highlighting policy violations. The findings from the DOJ inspector general detail how prosecutors sidestepped established rules when seizing phone records of reporters, congressional staffers, and White House officials.
Violations of Internal Policies
The report focuses on actions taken in 2020, including prosecutors bypassing the DOJ’s News Media Review Committee, which is designed to ensure oversight from non-prosecutorial officials when targeting journalists. Additionally, then-Attorney General William Barr failed to sign off on non-disclosure agreements required under department policy.
The records seized belonged to journalists at major outlets, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, and CNN, as part of investigations into leaks about Russian election interference and other sensitive national security issues.
Congressional Records Targeted
The DOJ also obtained records from two Democratic members of Congress and 43 congressional staffers. These individuals were considered suspects because they accessed classified material shortly before leaks were published. The inspector general found no evidence of retaliatory or political motives by the prosecutors involved.
Implications of Incoming Leadership
Trump’s pick for FBI director, Kash Patel, has publicly stated his desire to pursue journalists he claims “lied about American citizens.” Incoming Attorney General Pam Bondi is expected to reevaluate existing protections for journalists.
Under current policy, established by Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2021, prosecutors are barred from secretly seizing reporters’ records except in specific scenarios, such as when journalists are suspected of working for foreign agents or terrorist organizations. These protections followed public outrage over earlier DOJ actions.
A History of Controversy
Conversely, Jeff Sessions, Trump’s first attorney general, announced a crackdown on leaks in 2017, citing disclosures during the Russia investigation. These policies contributed to a tense relationship between the media and the federal government.
Future Outlook
The report highlights ongoing challenges in safeguarding both national security and press freedoms. With the Trump administration signaling a renewed focus on cracking down on leaks, the balance between transparency and accountability in government remains in the spotlight.
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