In a massive shift that could rattle the media world, Attorney General Pam Bondi has officially revoked protections once given to journalists suspected of aiding government leaks.
The Biden-era policy, which previously shielded reporters from facing legal action over leaked information, is no longer in place — and this move could have sweeping consequences across newsrooms nationwide.
Pam Bondi Ends Biden-Era Protection for Journalists Tied to Improper Leaks
Initially enacted during the presidency of Joe Biden and championed by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland, the original rule had prevented the Department of Justice from subpoenaing journalists connected to leaks of classified information.
Garland had framed the rule as a way to protect the freedom of the press, stating:
“A free and independent press is essential to our democracy.“
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However, Pam Bondi sees it differently. In a striking memo published Friday, she explained that the surge in recent leaks — many of which undermine the Trump administration — demanded urgent action.
“Safeguarding classified, privileged, and other sensitive information is essential to effective governance and law enforcement,” Bondi wrote.
She argued that continued leaks not only disrupt the functioning of government but threaten national security.
Department of Justice to Target Leaks More Aggressively
Effective immediately, the Department of Justice will no longer be handcuffed by the previous administration’s policies.
Bondi directed the DOJ to rescind Garland’s regulations and to update federal code (specifically 28 CFR § 50.10) to reflect this bold change.
Despite this hardline stance, Bondi emphasized that reporters would not be indiscriminately targeted. Instead, seeking a journalist’s records or testimony will only occur after enhanced procedural safeguards are exhausted.
“Investigative techniques relating to newsgathering will be deployed solely as a last resort when essential to a successful investigation or prosecution,” Bondi assured.
The careful balance aims to protect legitimate journalism while cracking down on unauthorized disclosures that put public safety and national interests at risk.
Left-Wing Media Reacts with Outrage to Bondi’s Decision
Predictably, left-wing media outlets erupted in anger following the announcement.
Bruce Brown, president of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, claimed that strong protections are vital for democracy:
“Some of the most consequential reporting — from Watergate to the exposure of warrantless wiretapping after 9/11 — was made possible because journalists could protect confidential sources,” Brown argued.
He warned that weakening press protections could undermine the free flow of information that sustains American democracy.
Yet critics of the media argue that modern leaks have gone beyond serving the public interest, often targeting political opponents and destabilizing entire administrations for partisan gain.
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Bondi’s New Policy Targets Growing Threat of Leaks Amid Trump Presidency
Bondi’s sweeping changes come at a time when the Trump administration faces an alarming rise in classified leaks, many believed to originate from within the intelligence community.
With national security hanging in the balance, the Trump White House has welcomed tougher action against those leaking sensitive materials — and the journalists enabling them.
As Bondi continues reshaping the Justice Department’s approach, media organizations are left wondering how these changes could impact their ability to protect sources — and whether press freedoms are entering a new era of intense scrutiny.
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