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.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.