Washington Post Subpoenas Withdrawn After Challenge

The Washington Post revealed that the Justice Department planned to compel reporters to testify before a federal grand jury. However, the subpoenas were withdrawn after the paper contested them.

A Tuesday article from The Post quoted “a Justice Department official familiar with the matter,” stating that reporter Ellen Nakashima was issued a grand jury subpoena in the spring concerning sensitive reporting on a national security matter. The newspaper, owned by Jeff Bezos, was challenging the subpoena in the federal court of the Eastern District of Virginia in sealed proceedings when the government rescinded it.

The Post noted that the scope of the investigation leading to these subpoenas remains unclear, aside from the connection to national security issues.

“The unwarranted subpoena of our reporter Ellen Nakashima – a clear violation of constitutionally guaranteed press freedom – was another sign of the government seeking to compel journalists to become instruments of its investigations,” said a Washington Post spokesperson to Fox News Digital. “We will continue to stand fully behind the journalism of The Washington Post and fight all efforts by any administration that violate our First Amendment rights.”

Veteran national security reporter Ellen Nakashima has covered significant issues including the country’s top intelligence officials, the Iran conflict, and deadly U.S. military operations, particularly during the Trump administration.

Executive Editor Matt Murray addressed staff at The Post on Tuesday morning following the subpoena’s withdrawal. “With the news out and the subpoena withdrawn, I want to reiterate our unwavering support for the First Amendment rights enshrined in our constitution, the legal protections afforded journalists, and our unblinking support of our journalists and press freedom,” Murray wrote. He expressed gratitude toward legal colleagues who supported Nakashima and The Post. “This institution stands behind each of you. It is in The Washington Post’s DNA to question, investigate, uncover and report,” he continued.

The Justice Department did not immediately reply to requests for comments. Similar subpoenas were issued to three Wall Street Journal journalists focusing on national security. Nevertheless, the Justice Department also withdrew these subpoenas after the Wall Street Journal contested them in the same federal court. None of the journalists provided testimony before the grand jury, according to the official who spoke on condition of anonymity due to non-public proceedings.