Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Justice Department authorized the seizure of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson’s devices in a classified leak investigation, reigniting debate over press protections.

Bondi said she rescinded previous guidance shielding journalists from searches, emphasizing that the probe involves classified material that could endanger U.S. service members.

Agents seized Natanson’s work and personal laptops, phone, and smartwatch, while the Post also received a subpoena for communications with a Department of War contractor, Aurelio Perez-Lugones, who is accused of leaking classified intelligence.

The Post’s executive editor called the actions “extraordinary” and raised concerns about constitutional protections for journalism, Fox News has reported.

Bondi stressed that the Justice Department can retrieve classified material even if reporters possess it unknowingly, framing the action as a matter of national security rather than press freedom.