Judge Prevents US Govt from Reviewing Seized Materials of Washington Post Reporter
TL/DR –
A judge has temporarily prevented the US government from scrutinizing materials seized from Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson, ruling a violation of her First Amendment rights. The seizure came after a search warrant was issued for Natanson’s home as part of an investigation into a government contractor suspected of removing classified documents. The Washington Post is suing the Justice Department for the return of the materials, while the government argues that the seizure was necessary and that revealing classified material puts national security at risk.
Judge Restricts US Government From Scrutinizing Seized Journalist’s Material
A US judge has granted a request from The Washington Post to block the federal government from assessing seized materials belonging to its reporter, Hannah Natanson. The move is seen as a minor triumph for the supporters of press freedom, asserting that the materials’ seizure infringes Natanson’s First Amendment rights and poses a risk to journalism.
Magistrate Judge William Porter issued the order on Wednesday, preventing the government from sifting through seized items until a hearing on February 6. Porter’s decision affords the Department of Justice time to respond to The Washington Post’s grievances.
Search Warrant Targets Reporter’s Home
Although Natanson is not part of a federal investigation, the Trump administration executed a search warrant at her residence on January 14. She has been covering changes to the federal government under Trump, with over 1,169 sources providing her with information over the past year.
The Justice Department maintains that the warrant was essential to gather information about Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones, a government contractor arrested for allegedly removing classified documents. However, the search resulted in the seizure of Natanson’s work computer, Post-issued cellphone, personal MacBook Pro, a one-terabyte hard drive, voice recorder, and Garmin watch.
According to court documents, Natanson’s electronics contain confidential sources and unpublished newsgathering materials. Lawyers argued that the warrant sought only specific contractor-related records, and the collection of data far exceeded the given scope.
Post Sues Justice Department
The Washington Post is suing the Justice Department for the return of the materials with a federal court in Virginia set to hear the case. The newspaper argued that the seizure chills speech, disrupts reporting, and inflicts harm as long as the government retains the materials. The Post called for an immediate return of the seized items and their non-use.
President Trump’s administration has been questioned for its contentious approach to the media, accused of eroding free speech. However, the administration argues that it is only targeting government “leakers”.
Attorney General Pam Bondi accused Natanson of “reporting classified and illegally leaked information.” Bondi posted on social media, referring to Perez-Lugones, stating that the administration would not tolerate illegal leaks risking national security.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed Bondi’s sentiments. She reiterated that the administration would take legal action against anyone breaking the law, be it a journalist or a federal employee. However, the First Amendment of the US Constitution declares that the government can curtail media only when a “clear and present danger” exists, with the burden resting on the authorities to substantiate this.
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