US attorney general defends subpoenas of journalists over classified leak probe

Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche has defended the issuing of subpoenas to journalists as part of investigations into leaks of classified information.

His comments came after reports that The Wall Street Journal had received grand jury subpoenas linked to coverage of the war against Iran.

Blanche did not name any outlet in a post on X, but said prosecuting leakers who share the nation's secrets with reporters was a priority for the administration.

He added that any witness, whether a reporter or otherwise, who had information about the alleged leaks should not be surprised to receive a subpoena.

President Donald Trump also criticised war coverage in a separate post, saying false reporting about Iran's military position amounted to "virtual treason".

He accused unnamed media outlets of aiding the enemy and said such coverage gave Iran false hope.

The comments highlight a renewed clash between the White House and parts of the US media over national security reporting and the handling of classified material.

They also follow the Justice Department's decision last year to rescind a Biden-era policy that had protected journalists from being forced to reveal their sources and had limited the use of subpoenas.

According to the Journal, the Justice Department has stepped up efforts to pursue media leaks after Trump complained to Blanche about reporting on the Iran war.

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