Classified Information Leaks

The Washington Post has filed two motions in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia demanding that federal agents return electronic devices seized from reporter Hannah Natanson when the FBI searched her Virginia home on Jan. 14 in a classified‑documents investigation. Agents took two phones, two laptops, a recorder, a portable hard drive and a Garmin watch while executing a warrant tied to contractor Aurelio Perez‑Lugones, who is accused of illegally retaining top‑secret intelligence reports found in his lunchbox and basement. The Post argues the search 'flouts the First Amendment and ignores federal statutory safeguards for journalists,' citing a government filing stating that 'almost none' of the seized items are relevant to the warrant, and says the continued retention of confidential newsgathering material 'chills speech' and 'cripples reporting.' Prosecutors have told the paper the data is still being processed and not yet reviewed, but have not agreed to return it. The case tests how far the Trump‑era Justice Department will go in treating reporters’ homes and devices as evidence in leak probes, despite longstanding DOJ policies meant to avoid newsroom raids and protect press freedom.