Attorney General Pam Bondi has reversed a Biden-era Department of Justice policy that restricted prosecutors from obtaining journalists’ records or testimony during criminal investigations.
The move, outlined in a memo obtained by Axios, rolls back protections introduced by former Attorney General Merrick Garland, which aimed to safeguard press freedom and prevent government overreach.
Bondi stated the reversal is necessary to pursue the sources of unauthorized leaks, calling it essential for holding leakers accountable. However, she emphasized that targeting journalists will remain a “last resort,” only used when crucial to an investigation.
Garland’s original policy was praised by press advocates for limiting potential government pressure on reporters. Bondi’s decision marks a shift toward stricter enforcement against leaks and is expected to revive debates over how to balance national security with First Amendment protections.
