Acting Attorney General Says Media Should Expect Subpoenas on National Security Leaks

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Tuesday that members of the media should not be surprised if they receive subpoenas for information related to their sources on stories involving national security-sensitive matters. The comments came after the Wall Street Journal reported that it had received subpoenas in March connected to an article published on Feb.

23. That article detailed military officials' warnings to President Donald Trump about the risks of military action against Iran. "Prosecuting leakers who share our nation's secrets with reporters, in turn risking our national security and the lives of our soldiers, is a priority for this administration," Blanche said.

" The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump later urged Blanche to pursue leaks related to the war in Iran more aggressively. " A Justice Department spokesperson said in a statement to ABC News that in all circumstances the department follows the facts and applies the law to identify those committing crimes against the United States.

Blanche had previously stated in a news conference that the Justice Department would directly target reporters with subpoenas in leak investigations. The approach marks a change from guidelines in place during the prior administration that treated such compulsory legal action against the press as a last resort reserved for cases in which national security was imperiled.

Those earlier guidelines were rescinded last year by then-Attorney General Pam Bondi. Media organizations and First Amendment advocates have expressed concern over the shift, noting it departs from recent precedent on handling leak cases involving reporters.

The Justice Department has not detailed the specific scope of the subpoenas sent to the Wall Street Journal or whether additional outlets have received similar requests.