The Justice Department has withdrawn subpoenas that sought to compel reporters at The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal to testify before a grand jury, according to people familiar with the matter. The move is seen as a significant development in the ongoing debate over press freedom and the government’s ability to compel journalists to reveal their sources.

Background

The Washington Post confirmed that one of its reporters received a subpoena from the Trump administration as part of a broader crackdown on media leaks. Journalists at The Wall Street Journal also received grand jury subpoenas, a rare and unusual move that critics said was a threat against press freedom.

A spokesperson for The Washington Post said, “The unwarranted subpoena of our reporter Ellen Nakashima – a clear violation of constitutionally guaranteed press freedom – was another sign of the government seeking to compel journalists to become instruments of its investigations. We will continue to stand fully behind the journalism of The Washington Post and fight all efforts by any administration that violate our First Amendment rights.”

Reaction

Mark Schoeff Jr., a reporter at CQ Roll Call and president of the National Press Club, called the decision to seek grand jury testimony from journalists, “one of the most aggressive actions against a free and independent press in recent memory.” He added, “Reporters were one step away from being forced to participate in a criminal investigation because they were doing their jobs. That should alarm every American who values a free press.”

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.