Justice Department nixes Biden-era protections for journalists in leak probes

SUMMARY

Attorney General Pam Bondi just delivered a major course correction at the Department of Justice, revoking Biden-era policies that had made it nearly impossible to investigate leaks — even when national security was at stake. In a memo to all DOJ staff, Bondi called out the abuse under the old rules, which gave political operatives a free pass to funnel sensitive information to their media allies without fear of accountability. That era is over. Bondi’s new policy still protects journalists in most cases, but restores critical tools investigators need to track down illegal leaks when necessary. Subpoenas and search warrants targeting reporters will now require high-level approval and only be used as a last resort — a balanced approach that upholds press freedom while defending the rule of law. The media establishment is already crying foul, but Bondi is making it clear: leaking classified material to sabotage a sitting president isn’t journalism — it’s a crime.