U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi Reinstates Subpoenas for Journalists in Leak Investigations

April 28, 2025 – USA –

In April 2025, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi reversed a Biden-era policy that had restricted the Department of Justice (DOJ) from subpoenaing journalists’ records in leak investigations. The new policy authorizes prosecutors to issue subpoenas, court orders, and search warrants to compel journalists to disclose information and testify about their sources. Bondi emphasized that these measures would be used cautiously and only when other avenues have been exhausted.

The previous policy, established under Attorney General Merrick Garland during President Joe Biden’s administration, had significantly limited such actions unless journalists were implicated in criminal activity unrelated to journalism. Bondi’s reversal comes amid the Trump administration’s assertive stance toward the media and follows recent high-profile leak probes.

Press freedom advocates have expressed concern that this policy change could deter whistleblowers and undermine investigative journalism. They warn that the increased ability to access journalists’ records may discourage sources from sharing information, thereby limiting the public’s access to critical information.

Bondi defended the move as a necessary step to curb illegal disclosures of classified information, citing leaks involving intelligence on the Tren de Aragua gang and the suspension of Defense Department official Dan Caldwell. Though Bondi claimed to uphold press freedom, critics view this as part of President Trump’s broader campaign against media institutions.

The reinstated policy reflects heightened efforts by the Trump administration to curb unauthorized information releases. As the implementation of this policy unfolds, its impact on investigative journalism and the broader media landscape remains a topic of significant concern and scrutiny.

Reference – 

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/25/pam-bondi-journalists-subpoenas

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/25/politics/justice-department-journalists-leaks/index.html

https://www.commondreams.org/news/bondi-journalism-protections