Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth announced the formation of a joint task force with the Justice Department to investigate sensitive information leaks from the Defense Department to the media and bring those responsible to justice. In a video message posted on X, Hegseth emphasized that this step was taken to protect national security.
Hegseth explained that the Pentagon's Office of General Counsel (OGC) has been authorized to request and receive all necessary information, records, and support in media leak investigations. "Leaked information puts lives at risk," Hegseth said, adding, "These new tools and processes will greatly help us protect our joint force."
The Pentagon chief said, "Our nation's security cannot be a bargaining chip for those chasing instant headlines," and added, "Access to classified information is a sacred trust, and those who betray that trust will face the full force of the law." Hegseth thanked Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for his support, noting that the departments are working more closely than ever.
This announcement came just days after the Justice Department subpoenaed four New York Times reporters to testify before a federal grand jury. The subpoenas were issued after the newspaper reported on security concerns regarding a plane gifted by Qatar to President Donald Trump and flown to Turkey.
The New York Times, various news organizations, and press freedom groups widely criticized the subpoenas, accusing the Trump administration of trying to intimidate journalists. The newspaper's attorney, David McCraw, said, "The sight of federal law enforcement at the door of news reporters should shake the conscience of every American who believes in the Constitution and the press freedom it protects."
Since taking the helm at the Pentagon last year, Hegseth has sought to take tough measures to stop leaks to the media. The department previously launched investigations into those accused of leaking classified information to the press and threatened to use polygraph tests to identify leakers.
The Pentagon chief also sought to impose restrictions on reporters covering the department, forcing them to sign pledges not to request unauthorized material, even if unclassified. Most Pentagon reporters returned their press credentials rather than accept these restrictions. Last month, in a lawsuit brought by The New York Times, a judge issued a preliminary injunction, ruling that the department's requirement for official escorts for journalists violated the First Amendment.
