Trump AG Repeals Biden-Era Rule

In a bold move to restore accountability, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Friday the rollback of Biden-era Justice Department policies that had protected journalists from federal investigations, Politico reports.

Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the Justice Department is taking a tougher stance on political leaks that threaten American security and undermine government integrity.

Bondi: Leaks “Abused” Under Biden’s Policies

In a four-page memo sent to Justice Department staff, Bondi made it clear: the previous rules allowed politically motivated leaks to flow freely to left-wing media outlets without consequences.

“The Justice Department will not tolerate unauthorized disclosures that sabotage President Trump’s policies, damage our agencies, and harm the American people,” Bondi wrote.

Bondi emphasized that strong action, including criminal prosecutions, is necessary to protect America’s institutions and restore public trust.

Trump’s Push for Accountability: Naming Names

Bondi’s memo highlighted specific cases tied to President Trump’s directive to investigate misconduct by former officials.

She specifically pointed to former cybersecurity official Christopher Krebs and made reference to former Homeland Security official Miles Taylor, both known for opposing President Trump’s America First policies.

The memo also referenced a news report on Don Caldwell, adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, currently under scrutiny amid a leak investigation.

The bottom line: Under President Trump, the Justice Department is sending a message — leaking classified information will not be ignored.

Left-Wing Groups Push Back, But DOJ Stands Firm

Predictably, press freedom advocates, including Bruce Brown of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, expressed outrage.

They cited historic cases like Watergate and post-9/11 wiretapping revelations, claiming that strong press protections are vital to democracy.

But Bondi reassured the public that legitimate journalism is still protected — with necessary guardrails.

She described using subpoenas or search warrants against journalists as “extraordinary measures” that will require approval from senior DOJ leadership.

In most cases, journalists will receive advance notice to challenge court demands — keeping safeguards in place without enabling dangerous leaks.

Dismantling Garland’s “Overly Broad” Policies

Bondi’s reforms sharply reverse the policies put in place by Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2021.

Garland’s controversial rules limited investigators’ ability to access journalists’ records, even when national security was at risk. Critics warned that his policies allowed leaks to flourish unchecked, endangering American interests.

Bondi’s directive restores balance — protecting national security without silencing legitimate press work.

Congress Stalls on Journalist Shield Laws

Meanwhile, efforts in Congress to grant sweeping new protections to journalists have stalled.

Despite the Biden administration’s push in 2021, bipartisan concerns about unchecked media leaks prevented the legislation from becoming law.

Under President Trump’s second term, the focus is clear: protect America’s interests, uphold accountability, and stop the abuse of press protections for political gain.

Final Thoughts

Attorney General Pam Bondi’s new directive marks a pivotal shift toward restoring law, order, and accountability in Washington.

The Trump administration is once again standing up for the American people — ensuring that no one, including the media, is above the law.