Trump DOJ Goes to War with Press

Abattle looms over the Justice Department’s issuance of grand jury subpoenas to journalists.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that it has received subpoenas, dated March 4, for the records of some of its reporters. The subpoenas relate to leaks connected to a February 23 WSJ article (i.e., six days before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran), which reported that General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who has been central to planning the war against Iran and explaining developments to the public, admonished President Trump about serious risks the contemplated military campaign portended. The WSJ reporters — Alexander Ward, Lara Seligman, and Shelby Holliday — described their sources as “current and former officials” but did not name them. The report elaborated that other Pentagon leaders had similar concerns; General Caine, however, was the most prominent voice.

Abattle looms over the Justice Department’s issuance of grand jury subpoenas to journalists.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that it has received subpoenas, dated March 4, for the records of some of its reporters. The subpoenas relate to leaks connected to a February 23 WSJ article (i.e., six days before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran), which reported that General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who has been central to planning the war against Iran and explaining developments to the public, admonished President Trump about serious risks the contemplated military campaign portended. The WSJ reporters — Alexander Ward, Lara Seligman, and Shelby Holliday — described their sources as “current and former officials” but did not name them. The report elaborated that other Pentagon leaders had similar concerns; General Caine, however, was the most prominent voice.

About the Author

Andrew C. McCarthy

Andrew C. McCarthy is a senior fellow at National Review Institute, an NR contributing editor, and author of Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency.