Pentagon Forms DOJ Task Force to Crack Down on Leaks to Journalists

The Pentagon announced a new joint initiative with the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute government officials who leak classified or sensitive information to the press. This move aims to strengthen efforts against unauthorized disclosures that could jeopardize national security and military personnel.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth granted the Office of General Counsel (OGC) full authority to gather all necessary data, documents, and assistance from across the department for leak investigations. He stressed the serious risk leaks pose to lives and emphasized that access to classified information is a "sacred trust" to be protected under the law.

Hegseth acknowledged the support of Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche and highlighted the unprecedented level of collaboration between the Pentagon and the DOJ on this issue. The task force’s creation follows recent subpoenas issued by the DOJ to four journalists at The New York Times, compelling them to testify in a federal grand jury probe concerning a report on national security concerns tied to a plane gifted to the former president.

The subpoenas triggered strong backlash from press freedom advocates and journalistic organizations, who viewed the government’s actions as intimidation tactics against reporters pursuing legitimate news-gathering activities. Legal representatives for the newspaper argued that such federal law enforcement measures threaten constitutional protections for a free press and public transparency.

Hegseth framed this crackdown as necessary to prevent leaks that undermine the safety of military personnel and compromise national security interests. Under the new directive, the Pentagon’s legal office will have streamlined access to information and support to swiftly identify and hold leakers accountable through criminal prosecutions.

This coordinated effort underscores the administration’s resolve to treat unauthorized disclosures as serious offenses, signaling a tougher posture toward internal breaches and leaks within federal agencies.