Pentagon and DoJ launch joint taskforce to prosecute press leaks

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a new joint taskforce between the Pentagon and the Department of Justice (DoJ) to investigate and prosecute the unauthorised disclosure of sensitive information to the media.

In a video posted on X on Monday, Hegseth said the initiative was designed to strengthen leak investigations across the Defence Department.

“To combat the dangers that leaks pose, effectively immediately, I have delegated tasking authority to the war department’s office of general counsel, empowering OGC to request and receive all information, records and support across the department concerning media leak investigations,” Hegseth said in the video.

“Leaked information risks lives, these new tools and processes will greatly assist us in protecting our joint force. The security of our nation cannot be a bargaining chip for those who seek momentary headlines, access to confidential and secret information is a sacred trust, and those who betray that trust will be met with the full force of the law”, he added.

The announcement comes days after The New York Times said several of its journalists received subpoenas linked to reporting on security concerns surrounding President Donald Trump's Qatari-gifted aircraft.

A spokesperson for the DoJ told The New York Times: “reporters are not the targets, those leaking classified information are”.

Press freedom groups, including the National Press Club, criticised the move, warning it could have a chilling effect on independent journalism.