Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Monday the creation of a joint Pentagon-Justice Department task force to identify and prosecute officials who leak sensitive information to journalists, marking an escalation in the administration’s crackdown on unauthorized disclosures to the press.
New Powers For Pentagon Lawyers
Hegseth granted sweeping authority to the Pentagon’s Office of General Counsel to request and receive all information, support, and records across the department related to news media leak investigations. The secretary said the move addresses dangers posed by unauthorized disclosures. “Leaked information risks lives, these new tools and processes will greatly assist us in protecting our joint force,” Hegseth stated in a video posted on social media.
The defense chief thanked Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for his support, emphasizing unprecedented cooperation between the two departments. “The security of our nation cannot be a bargaining chip for those who seek momentary headlines,” Hegseth said. “Access to confidential and secret information is a sacred trust, and those who betray that trust will be met with the full force of the law.”
Reporters Face Federal Subpoenas
The announcement follows Justice Department subpoenas issued days earlier to four New York Times reporters, compelling them to testify before a federal grand jury. The subpoenas stem from reporting on security concerns involving a plane Qatar gifted to President Donald Trump, which he used to fly to Turkey for a NATO summit. The Times condemned the action as an attempt to intimidate journalists conducting legitimate news-gathering.
David McCraw, an attorney for the newspaper, called the move brazen intimidation. “The appearance of federal law enforcement agents on the doorstep of news reporters should shock the conscience of any American who believes in the Constitution and the press freedom it protects,” he said. Press freedom groups across the political spectrum criticized the subpoenas as government overreach.
Escalating Pentagon Media Restrictions
Since assuming leadership of the Pentagon last year, Hegseth has implemented multiple measures to restrict press access and crack down on leaks. The department opened investigations into officials accused of leaking classified information and threatened to conduct polygraph tests to identify leakers. Hegseth also imposed a requirement that reporters sign pledges not to solicit unauthorized material, even unclassified information.
Most Pentagon reporters surrendered their press badges rather than accept the restrictions. A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction last month, ruling that requirements for official chaperones to accompany journalists at all times violated the First Amendment. The policy faces ongoing legal challenges from news organizations.