Washington: Trump backs subpoenas targeting journalists before dinner
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In Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the use of legal subpoenas and federal investigative powers against journalists and news organizations, according to statements made hours before a rescheduled White House Correspondents' Association dinner. The remarks came amid an ongoing dispute over leaked national security memorandums and confidential government communications. White House legal advisers argued that federal authorities can compel reporters to reveal anonymous sources when national security is at stake. Media advocacy groups, constitutional law experts, and major press associations condemned the stance, warning of implications for First Amendment protections and press freedom, as Trump later delivered a sharply critical dinner address.
More context
Timeline
- Recent weeks Dispute over leaked memorandums intensifies
- Earlier this week White House counsel asserts subpoena authority
- Yesterday Advocacy groups organize rapid response statements
- Today Trump publicly backs subpoenas against journalists
- Today Legal team cites national security justifications
- Tonight Press groups denounce threats to protections
- Tonight Trump delivers adversarial correspondents dinner address
Why it matters
This issue touches your RIGHTS. If journalists can be forced to reveal sources, it could limit the news you get. Some fear it might chill free speech. You can voice your opinion by contacting your local representative.
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
