U.S. news agencies and press freedom groups have expressed concern after federal agents raided the home of a Washington Post reporter as part of an investigation into the handling of classified materials.
Wednesday’s raid focused on the residence of Hannah Natanson, a journalist who has led The Post’s reporting on efforts to cut the federal workforce under President Donald Trump.
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Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents seized her work and personal laptops, as well as electronic devices such as her cell phone and Garmin watch.
“According to the government’s warrant, this raid was related to an investigation of a government contractor accused of illegally possessing classified government material. We have heard that Hanna and the Post were not targeted,” said Matt Murray, editor-in-chief of The Washington Post.
“Nevertheless, this unusual and aggressive behavior is deeply concerning and raises deep questions and concerns regarding the constitutional protections for our operations.”
The Free Press echoed the Post’s concerns, saying the raids fit a pattern of increasing pressure on journalists who report information the government doesn’t want published.
President Trump has frequently attacked news organizations, threatening those he deems too critical with lawsuits and investigations.
Still, it is unusual for law enforcement to seize materials from journalists, given the broad press freedom protections established under the U.S. Constitution. Advocates warned Wednesday’s action could undermine any efforts by journalists to report on whistleblower complaints.
The newspaper said the search warrant was part of an investigation into another of Trump’s harassment, the leaking of classified materials.
Prosecutors allege that a contractor named Aurelio Perez-Lugones, a systems engineer and information technology specialist, took screenshots and printed intelligence reports while working for a government contractor in Maryland.
Investigators also say they found classified documents in his lunch box when they searched his car and basement earlier this month.
The Trump administration has accused Perez-Lugones of contacting Natanson to leak information and said the search of his home was conducted at the request of the Pentagon.
“The Justice Department and FBI executed a search warrant at the home of a Washington Post reporter who was reporting on illegally leaked confidential information from a Pentagon contractor,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a social media post.
She added that the “leaker” (apparently referring to Mr. Perez-Lugones) had been arrested.
“The Trump Administration will not tolerate illegal leaks of classified information that, if reported, pose grave risks to our national security and the brave men and women who serve our country.”
White House press secretary Caroline Levitt agreed, writing online that President Trump has “zero tolerance” for information leaks and will “aggressively crack down on” them.
But news advocates argue that working with whistleblowers is an essential component of reporting on secret government agencies, especially in areas such as national security.
Raids like the one at Mr. Natanson’s home risk violating the understanding of anonymity that journalists have built with their sources, especially those in sensitive government positions.
Mr. Natanson had extensively reported on the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce and encourage nonpartisan employees to align with his political agenda.
She also reported on recent US actions in Venezuela, culminating in the January 3 abduction of President Nicolas Maduro.
Groups such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) were among those who spoke out against the search warrants.
“This attack should shake all Americans. The United States is at a critical juncture as the Trump administration continues to roll back civil liberties,” said Katherine Jacobsen, CPJ’s regional coordinator for the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.
“Using the FBI, which is funded by American taxpayers, to seize electronic devices, including journalists’ official laptops, is a clear violation of journalistic protections and undermines the public’s right to know.”
