Justice Dept. Policy Now Allows Pursuit of Reporters’ Records in Leak Inquiries
Justice Dept. Policy Now Allows Pursuit of Reporters’ Records in Leak Inquiries
A new memo suggests that investigations may be launched not just for leaks of classified information, but where disclosures “undermine” Trump administration policies.
Read the full article on NY Times Politics
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's accuracy is mixed. The core claim about a new Justice Department policy allowing pursuit of reporters' records in leak inquiries is plausible given historical context, but the specific detail about investigations being launched for disclosures that "undermine" administration policies is not directly verifiable with the provided sources. The article exhibits moderate bias through its framing and potential for selective reporting.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim 1: "A new memo suggests that investigations may be launched not just for leaks of classified information, but where disclosures “undermine” Trump administration policies."
- Verification Source #1: This source discusses Garland's efforts to *bar* the Justice Department from seizing reporters' records, which seems to contradict the claim of a new policy *allowing* such actions. However, it is from 2022, so it doesn't directly address a potential policy change in 2025.
- Verification Source #2: This source mentions Trump's DOJ secretly obtaining phone and text message logs of reporters, supporting the idea that such actions have occurred. It also mentions a "new policy" but doesn't specify its details.
- Verification Source #3: This source discusses the Trump DOJ seizing records of Democrats in leak investigations, further supporting the possibility of such actions. It mentions that department policy allows this only after other avenues are exhausted.
- Verification Source #4: This source is irrelevant to the claim.
- Verification Source #5: This source is irrelevant to the claim.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Verification Source #1: Contradicts the idea of a new policy *allowing* pursuit of reporters' records, but is dated 2022.
- Verification Source #2: Supports the idea that the Trump administration has pursued reporters' records in leak investigations.
- Verification Source #3: Supports the idea that the Trump administration has pursued records in leak investigations.
- The specific claim about investigations for disclosures that "undermine" administration policies is *not directly covered* by the provided sources. This makes it difficult to verify its accuracy. The absence of direct confirmation from the sources reduces the factual accuracy score.