Justice Department withdraws subpoenas that sought reporters' grand jury testimony, sources say

The U.S. Department of Justice reportedly issued and then withdrew subpoenas seeking to compel reporters from The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal to testify before a grand jury, according to sources familiar with the matter. The Washington Post confirmed that one reporter, Ellen Nakashima, received a subpoena linked to an asserted crackdown on media leaks that in January included an FBI search of a Washington Post reporter’s home and the seizure of devices. Journalists at The Wall Street Journal also received grand jury subpoenas, described as rare and unusual by critics concerned about press freedom. The article says it was unclear why the subpoenas were rescinded and what specific coverage they related to. DOJ Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche declined to comment, while saying the investigation targets breaches of national security and not reporters. Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray stated the subpoena to Nakashima was withdrawn.