US Justice Department Resumes Journalists' Record Seizures

The U.S. Justice Department has reversed a Biden-era policy, now allowing prosecutors to more easily subpoena journalists' records and testimony in leak investigations. This shift, announced via a memo from Attorney General Pam Bondi, permits the use of subpoenas, court orders, and search warrants to compel production of information from members of the news media. The previous policy had largely protected journalists from such actions unless they were suspects in unrelated criminal cases or obtained information through criminal means. The new regulations emphasize the need to safeguard classified and sensitive information, but also include procedural protections such as providing advance notice to journalists and requiring leadership approval for such measures. These changes have raised concerns among press freedom advocates, as they could deter whistleblowers and impact investigative reporting. The policy took effect immediately and represents a significant shift back to practices criticized during previous administrations.