FBI agents searched the home of Washington Post journalist Hannah Natanson on Wednesday as part of an investigation into classified information leaks involving a Pentagon contractor, confirmed by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Natanson, who has extensively covered the federal government under President Donald Trump, had her phone and Garmin smartwatch seized during the search of her Virginia home. Recently, she published an article detailing how she gained hundreds of new sources, earning praise from colleagues as a “whisperer of the federal government.”
While investigations into classified documents are not uncommon, the search of a journalist’s home marks an escalation in government efforts to address information leaks.
“The leak of classified information poses a serious risk to U.S. national security and the lives of our military heroes,” White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said. “President Trump has zero tolerance for this and will continue to aggressively address these illegal acts.”
The search is linked to an investigation of Maryland-based systems administrator Aurelio Perez-Lugones, accused of illegally removing and printing classified defense reports. During a recent search of his home and vehicle, authorities found documents marked “SECRET,” one hidden inside a food container. Perez-Lugones held “Top Secret” clearance.
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the search was requested by the Department of Defense and alleged that Natanson “received and reported classified information illegally leaked by a Pentagon contractor.”
Bondi added: “The Trump administration will not tolerate unauthorized leaks of classified information that pose grave risks to national security and our brave service members.”
The Department of Justice has periodically updated guidelines on how to respond to leaks in the media. In April, Bondi issued new directives allowing prosecutors to use subpoenas, court orders, and search warrants against government officials who unauthorizedly share classified information with journalists.
