The New York Times is reporting that one of its own reporter’s email and phone records – several years’ worth – were secretly seized by the Dept. of Justice. Many are raising First Amendment concerns.
The DOJ took these records, in an apparent violation of either federal or DOJ regulations, in “an investigation of classified information leaks.”
The Times calls this “the first known instance of the Justice Department going after a reporter’s data under President Trump.”
The reporter, Ali Watkins, has worked for the NY Times, along with Buzzfeed and Politico. The records seized by the DOJ apparently encompass her work at all three news outlets.
President Donald Trump has spent years attacking the media, including targeting individual reporters by name.
This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.