Story perspectives

Trump’s “Treason” Note Spurs DOJ Journalist Subpoena Pullback

6/25/2026

Left

Trump Threatens Journalists

President Donald Trump allegedly gave acting Attorney General Todd Blanche a sticky-note labeled “Treason” to demand journalist subpoenas.
The Justice Department withdrew subpoenas would have forced Ellen Nakashima and three Wall Street Journal journalists to testify in Virginia.
Reporters Without Borders and groups called the subpoenas a “new low” threatening First Amendment newsgathering.
Todd Blanche said leak witness could be subpoenaed while Justice Department remains silent on subpoenas.

Right

Washington Post Wins

The Washington Post said the Justice Department withdrew grand-jury subpoenas after the paper’s legal challenge, stressing press-freedom values.
The Department pulled subpoenas would have forced Ellen Nakashima and three Wall Street Journal reporters to testify, with no testimony.
Editor Matt Murray emailed staff praising the legal team and reaffirming the paper’s investigative mission.
Wall Street Journal lawyers contested Virginia subpoenas, leading the Justice Department to drop the demands.

Blindspot

Left coverage emphasized the allegation that President Trump handed Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche a “Treason” sticky-note demanding subpoenas, a detail omitted from the Right summary.
Left coverage also noted press-freedom groups condemning the subpoenas as a “new low” for the First Amendment, which the Right summary does not mention.

History

Historical Context

1971’s New York Times Co. v. United States, a 6-3 Supreme Court ruling, rejected Nixon’s attempt to block the Pentagon Papers, establishing a heavy burden for prior restraint. Decades later, the Justice Department’s withdrawal of subpoenas targeting Washington Post and Wall Street Journal reporters mirrors that precedent, reaffirming First Amendment protections against governmental pressure on the press.

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Trump Threatens Journalists

President Donald Trump allegedly gave acting Attorney General Todd Blanche a sticky-note labeled “Treason” to demand journalist subpoenas.
The Justice Department withdrew subpoenas would have forced Ellen Nakashima and three Wall Street Journal journalists to testify in Virginia.
Reporters Without Borders and groups called the subpoenas a “new low” threatening First Amendment newsgathering.
Todd Blanche said leak witness could be subpoenaed while Justice Department remains silent on subpoenas.

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