Trump Administration's Attempt to Subpoena Journalists Abandoned After Pushback
The Trump administration attempted to compel testimony from four journalists before a federal grand jury in recent weeks, according to an official familiar with the matter. However, the Justice Department backed off after the news organizations pushed back. The subpoenas were issued to three journalists from The Wall Street Journal and one from The Washington Post.
These subpoenas were particularly significant as they not only sought the disclosure of information but also required journalists to actively testify before a federal grand jury investigating national security leaks. This raised concerns about the potential for contempt of court charges that could result in imprisonment for journalists.
The Washington Post reported on the subpoenas, which were issued in the Eastern District of Virginia. The Wall Street Journal had previously covered the subpoenas but did not reveal that they would require testimony from reporters. In a briefing with reporters, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche declined to discuss the specifics of the subpoenas but stated that previous attorneys general have indicated that reporters are not targets in such cases. He emphasized the administration's commitment to investigating leaks of classified information.
A spokesperson for The Washington Post stated that the organization would fully support its journalism and oppose any efforts by any administration to infringe upon First Amendment rights. The spokesperson described the subpoena of reporter Ellen Nakashima as a clear violation of press freedom and indicative of the government's attempts to compel journalists to assist in investigations. Executive Editor Matt Murray reiterated the publication's commitment to questioning and reporting on issues, thanking the legal team for their efforts on behalf of Nakashima and The Post. The Wall Street Journal did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
