The Trump administration has taken a bold step in its ongoing battle against unauthorized leaks of classified information. Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed on Wednesday that a search warrant was carried out by federal authorities on the residence of a Washington Post journalist. This action was part of a broader investigation into the dissemination of classified information allegedly leaked by a Pentagon contractor.

In a statement, Bondi elaborated, “This past week, at the request of the Department of War, the Department of Justice and FBI executed a search warrant at the home of a Washington Post journalist who was obtaining and reporting classified and illegally leaked information from a Pentagon contractor. The leaker is currently behind bars. I am proud to work alongside Secretary Hegseth on this effort. The Trump Administration will not tolerate illegal leaks of classified information that, when reported, pose a grave risk to our Nation’s national security and the brave men and women who are serving our country.”

The journalist in question, Hannah Natanson, became a focal point of this operation, though it is crucial to note that she is not accused of any misconduct. Instead, the search aimed to gather evidence linked to a government contractor suspected of unlawfully retaining sensitive government documents.

Marty Baron, who previously served as the executive editor of the Washington Post, expressed strong concerns over what he perceives as an attack on journalistic freedom. “It’s a clear and appalling sign that this administration will set no limits on its acts of aggression against an independent press,” Baron commented, highlighting the ongoing tension between the government and the press over issues of national security and press freedom.

Marty Baron, the Post’s former executive editor, took this as an affront to free speech.

“It’s a clear and appalling sign that this administration will set no limits on its acts of aggression against an independent press,” Baron said.

A warrant obtained by the Post cited an investigation into Aurelio Perez-Lugones, Maryland-based system administrator with a top security clearance who has been accused of keep classified materials. The outlet said the investigation found documents in his lunchbox and his basement.