leakers

James Risen, a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist, recounts his 2015 legal battle with the federal government over refusing to reveal sources for a story on a CIA operation. Experts once believed Risen would be the last reporter subpoenaed in a leak investigation, but recent developments show those predictions were incorrect, with leak investigations now appearing focused on punishing reporters rather than solely identifying leakers.

President Trump has implemented a government-wide non-disclosure agreement (NDA), imposing strict measures against unauthorized information leaks. The policy aims to prevent leaks by enforcing severe penalties on individuals found guilty of divulging sensitive information.

Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino claimed the agency was divided between effective agents and 'snakes' who leaked information. He described tactics to identify leakers by sharing fabricated details about his schedule and confronting those who leaked it. Bongino and FBI Director Kash Patel faced challenges in distinguishing between loyal and disloyal agents during his tenure (2025–2026).

The article suggests that journalists repeatedly targeting leakers may indicate a concerning trend rather than isolated incidents. It highlights the potential implications of such actions beyond mere coincidence.