Leak Investigation: FBI Searches Home Of Washington Post Reporter

The FBI searched the home of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson early Wednesday, seizing her phone, two laptops and a smartwatch as part of a federal investigation into the handling of classified material. The Washington Post called the action “highly unusual and aggressive”, drawing strong criticism from press freedom advocates who say it threatens protections for journalists.

Natanson, who covers the federal government and has written extensively about changes under President Donald Trump, was at her Virginia home when agents executed the search warrant. Authorities say the search is connected to an inquiry into a Pentagon contractor, Aurelio Perez‑Lugones, accused of unlawfully retaining classified documents. The Justice Department and FBI told the Post that neither Natanson nor the newspaper are considered targets of the investigation, although her communications with the contractor are part of the inquiry.

Press freedom groups and journalists warned the raid could have a chilling effect on reporting and source protection, saying such searches are rare and raise serious concerns about constitutional safeguards for the press. The Department of Justice and Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the action as necessary to protect national security and to pursue leaks of classified information.