The Justice Department has retracted subpoenas that demanded reporters testify before a federal grand jury in Virginia. This occurred during an intensified effort by the Trump administration to identify leakers involved in internal decisions.

The subpoenas targeted reporters from The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. The news organizations opposed these legal demands in sealed court filings. This legal push signified a strong move by the Trump administration to force journalists into cooperation over national security information leaks.

Whether the Justice Department will issue new subpoenas remains unclear. Todd Blanche, serving as the acting attorney general and nominated for the permanent role by President Trump, defended the issuance of subpoenas in April.

“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,”

said Blanche. Investigations into classified leaks are common, but directing subpoenas at journalists is rare. Free press advocates argue that such actions violate the First Amendment and hinder crucial news reporting.