Story perspectives

Judge Rejects DOJ Journalist Warrants, Calls for Privacy Law Reform

5/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Minnesota judge rejected two Justice Department search warrants targeting journalists Don Lemon, Georgia Fort and three protestors.
The warrants sought subscriber names, addresses and emails, which the judge said could intimidate independent-media viewers.
In a request against reporter Hannah Natanson, the Justice Department omitted the Privacy Protection Act of 1980.
Lawmakers are urged to pass the Privacy Protection Updates Act, requiring explicit citation of the act for press-related warrants.

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Story summary

A Minnesota judge rejected two Justice Department search warrants targeting journalists Don Lemon, Georgia Fort and three protestors.
The warrants sought subscriber names, addresses and emails, which the judge said could intimidate independent-media viewers.
In a request against reporter Hannah Natanson, the Justice Department omitted the Privacy Protection Act of 1980.
Lawmakers are urged to pass the Privacy Protection Updates Act, requiring explicit citation of the act for press-related warrants.