Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a significant shift in the Department of Justice's policy concerning the investigation of journalists involved in leak cases. She intends to rescind policies established by former Attorney General Merrick Garland that restricted the DOJ from obtaining records and compelling testimony from journalists to identify sources of leaks. Bondi argues that the existing protections were abused, allowing officials to use media allies to leak sensitive information for political gain, thereby undermining national security. The new policy will permit subpoenas for journalists' records as a last resort when essential for investigations or prosecutions, with enhanced approval and advance-notice procedures. Bruce D. Brown from the Reporters Committee for the Freedom of Press expressed concerns about the implications for journalists' ability to protect their sources, although the exact language of the new policy is yet to be seen.

Attorney General Pam Bondi plans to overturn policies set by former Attorney General Merrick Garland, which had restricted the DOJ's ability to seek information from journalists involved in leak investigations.

Bondi claims that the current protections were being abused, with officials leaking sensitive information through media allies for political advantage, thus compromising national security.

Under the new policy, the DOJ will be allowed to subpoena journalists' records and testimonies, but only as a last resort and with strict procedural safeguards in place.

This policy revision follows recent events where Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard referred intelligence officials for prosecution for allegedly leaking classified information to major newspapers.

Bruce D. Brown, representing the press's interests, highlighted the critical need for reporters to safeguard their sources, expressing apprehension about the potential impact of the new policy.

The Office of Legal Policy is responsible for drafting new language to implement Bondi's changes, reflecting the rescission of Garland's previous policies.

The changes aim to balance the need for effective criminal investigations with the protection of journalistic freedoms, as the DOJ commits to using these measures sparingly and with oversight.