Posted on 08/04/2017 11:59:33 AM PDT by advance_copy
WASHINGTON, DC — As leaks of classified and otherwise sensitive information pour from all corners of the federal government, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Friday that he may crack down on the members of the media who report these stories — despite widespread acceptance of the idea that the First Amendment offers broad protections to the press on this front.
“We respect the important role that the press plays," Sessions said at a morning press conference. "And we'll give them respect, but it is not unlimited."
He did not say specifically what changes he was pursuing, though the department will be reexamining its policy for subpoenaing members of the media. He continued: "They cannot place lives at risk with impunity. We must balance the press’s role with protecting our national security and the lives of those who serve in the intelligence community, the armed forces and all law-abiding Americans."
News agencies will frequently contact the government when they obtain classified information, and they often honor credible requests to hold back certain pieces of information for reasons of national security. For example, when multiple outlets reported that President Trump revealed highly sensitive and classified intel about an Israeli informant with ISIS to the Russian, reporters did not include in their stories the spy's location. Doing so, the government said, could endanger this source of intelligence.
Sessions took no questions at the press conference.
The Department of Justice has increased its investigation of leaks since Trump took office, the attorney general said. He gave a simple warning to those looking to reveal classified information: "Don't do it."
On Thursday, the Washington Post published transcripts of the president's conversations with two world leaders. Even many critics of the administration expressed concerns about this leak and its potential to undermine the diplomatic relationships.
During his time in the White House, President Obama faced criticism for what many saw as an overly aggressive prosecution of leakers.
Deep State Killary already ‘bought’ Assange off by getting his rape charge DROPPED.
News sources are saying four people have been charged with leaking, but no names have been released by the DOJ yet.
That’s it? That’s the big announcement on leaking he was going to make on Friday? Now a grand jury on the Trumpsha hoax but still no grand juries impaneled by the Justice department.
The Brown Dukie.
Good answer! LOL.
They can’t claim First amendment or shield Law or anything else when the information they publish is classified. They should already be in prison. Sessions is still playing games. He did make a strong statement that the DOJ “MAY” look into these actions. Means nothing.
They can claim whatever they want. Remember The Ellsworth Papers?
Doesn’t guarantee it will fly but they can make the claim
You criminals better watch out!
Sessions MAY lower the boom any day now.
The fifth offers protection against self-incrimination, but when there is no chance they will face criminal penalties, they cannot use the fifth. I’m sure that’s what he is getting at. The press has their well rehearsed protection of sources routine, but there is, in reality, no federal press “shield” law, nor should there ever be one. If there was a press shield law, leaking would be refined as an art form - the media would just become a massive leak conduit.
If this is true, why would Sessions even telegraph what the DoJ is up to?
It is standard operating procedure for the liar Marxist types amongst us, to regularly use our naivety to simply destroy and demolish all things just and good.
This is so stupid...
Unless of course the goal was to give them a head start to burry and or get their storied narratives and defense all lined up.
“Throw them in jail for being COMPLICIT in the crime of revealing classified information.”
A one-hundred year sentence for each violation should be about right.
When did the press start claiming they have the First Amendment right to protect their sources even when the information is criminal by its nature?
Goal #1 is to stop the bleeding. That should do it. Then you look back. DJT may be holding an axe over many members of the press.
The 1st amendment does not give one immunity from treasonous acts committed in PRINT.
That made me laugh.
I will believe he’s serious when he announces firings and arrests.
Unauthorized possession of classified material is a crime no matter who is doing it.
L
Just like saying — maybe yes, maybe no. That sure isn’t leadership talking. Please Donald, wake up fast!
Will he start waterboarding?
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