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Pentagon-Justice Task Force Targets Press Leaks, Sparks Censorship Fears

7/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a joint Pentagon-Justice Department task force to investigate and prosecute press leaks.
The task force will increase subpoenas, search warrants and FBI visits to journalists’ homes, prompting critics who say it echoes historic censorship.
Chelsea Manning, Reality Winner and Edward Snowden were previously prosecuted under the Espionage Act.

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Story summary

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a joint Pentagon-Justice Department task force to investigate and prosecute press leaks.
The task force will increase subpoenas, search warrants and FBI visits to journalists’ homes, prompting critics who say it echoes historic censorship.
Chelsea Manning, Reality Winner and Edward Snowden were previously prosecuted under the Espionage Act.