Acting AG Warns Reporters of Leak Probe Subpoenas

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche warned reporters on Tuesday that they could receive subpoenas as part of Department of Justice investigations into leaks of classified information, emphasizing the administration's priority to prosecute those responsible for compromising national security.

Blanche made the statement in response to media inquiries about the probes. "Prosecuting leakers who share our nation's secrets with reporters, in turn risking our national security and the lives of our soldiers, is a priority for this administration," he wrote. "Any witness, whether a reporter or otherwise, who has information about these criminals should not be surprised if they receive a subpoena about the illegal leaking of classified material."

The investigations stem from President Donald Trump's private complaints to Blanche last month about media disclosures tied to the U.S. military campaign against Iran, which began on February 28. Administration officials said Trump handed Blanche a stack of news articles highlighting leaks, urging aggressive action. Senior Justice Department officials have since coordinated with Pentagon counterparts on the matter.