The Pentagon has announced the creation of a joint task force with the Department of Justice to identify and prosecute officials who leak sensitive information to the media.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth stated that the department's Office of General Counsel (OGC) will be empowered to request and receive all information, support, and records concerning media leak investigations.
Hegseth emphasized the dangers posed by leaks, citing the risk of lives being put in harm's way, and emphasized the importance of protecting the security of the nation.
The secretary also thanked Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche for his support, noting that the two departments are working together more closely than ever before.
The move comes just days after the DOJ issued subpoenas to four reporters at a major news outlet, attempting to force them to testify before a federal grand jury.
The subpoenas were widely criticized by journalists and press freedom groups, who argued that the government is attempting to intimidate reporters conducting legitimate news-gathering.
The head of the Pentagon has been cracking down on leaks to the media since taking office last year, opening investigations into those accused of leaking classified information and threatening to conduct polygraphs to identify leakers.
Hegseth has also attempted to impose restrictions on reporters covering the Pentagon, forcing them to sign a pledge stating they would not solicit unauthorized material, even if it was unclassified.
Most Pentagon reporters turned in their press badges rather than accept the department's restrictions on news-gathering, and the policy is currently facing lawsuits.
