(ProsperNews.net) – Attorney General Pam Bondi’s decision to revoke journalist protections established by the Biden administration has sparked intense debate over government transparency and press freedom.
At a Glance
- Attorney General Bondi announced changes to DOJ policy on journalists’ records in criminal probes.
- Criticism directed at federal employees for leaking sensitive information.
- Rescission of Merrick Garland’s policy that protected journalist records.
- Emphasis on using news-gathering investigations as a last resort.
- DOJ’s Office of Legal Policy drafting new procedural guidelines.
Amendments to DOJ Policy
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a significant shift in the Department of Justice’s approach towards journalist protections related to criminal leak investigations. Previously established guidelines from the Biden era, which restricted DOJ’s access to journalists’ records, have been rescinded. Bondi criticized ongoing leaks of sensitive information to the media, which she believes compromise the safety measures enforced by the DOJ.
The changes, outlined in a memo, are a response to referrals by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. These point to intelligence professionals accused of leaking classified information, directly impacting national security. Bondi’s approach limits the traditional shields journalists have relied on but asserts that legal pursuit remains a last resort.
Rescinding Prior Protective Measures
The previous administration’s policies, put forth by former AG Merrick Garland, sought to protect journalistic sources by setting stringent conditions under which government agencies could obtain information from journalists. Bondi’s reversal marks a notable departure from this stance, with new policies being developed to balance protection and accountability.
“This conduct is illegal and wrong, and it must stop.” – Pam Bondi.
Bruce D. Brown of the Reporters Committee for the Freedom of the Press underscored the critical nature of safeguarding confidential sources for the press, asserting that the core mission of journalism hinges on such protections.
The Justice Department will again allow federal investigators to pursue communications from media outlets in the course of government leak investigations, rescinding a Biden-era policy, according to a memo from Attorney General Pam Bondi obtained by CNN. https://t.co/ApeFcU6Dez
— News 3 Now / Channel 3000 (@WISCTV_News3) April 26, 2025
Balancing Act: National Security and Press Freedom
Bondi conveyed the necessity of these changes in ensuring national security while maintaining a modicum of journalistic freedom. The DOJ’s Office of Legal Policy is tasked with crafting new guidelines that still impose limitations on compulsory legal actions against media entities, ensuring that such measures are not abused.
“We’ll wait to see what the policy looks like, but we know reporters will still do their jobs, and there is no shortage of legal support to back them up.” – Bruce D. Brown.
As these discussions unfold, the debate between national security interests and the liberty of the press intensifies, with Bondi at the helm of a historic policy realignment within the Department of Justice.
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