22 Jul 2020

In Early 2020, Pentagon Launched ‘Aggressive’ Investigation Into ‘Bad Leaks’

The Pentagon launched an “aggressive” investigation of leaks earlier this year that relies upon an insider threat program established and expanded under President Barack Obama.

Officials are also employing “continuous evaluation,” or total surveillance, of personnel, yet there is very little evidence that safeguards have been implemented to protect the rights of employees and ensure a chilling effect that already lingers does not intensify against potential whistleblowers.

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29 Aug 2019

Former FBI Director James Comey Saved By America’s Two-Tiered Justice System Of Prosecuting Leaks

When former FBI director James Comey retained, mishandled, and disseminated certain memos from his meetings with President Donald Trump, he violated FBI and Justice Department policies, as well as the FBI employment agreement he signed, according to the department’s inspector general. However, the inspector general did not recommend prosecution for

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29 Mar 2018

Notes On The Trump Justice Department’s Second Major Leak Prosecution

Local news media in Minnesota reported that FBI special agent Terry Albury was charged with violating the Espionage Act when he allegedly disclosed documents to the Intercept. He apparently pled guilty and took responsibility for his alleged actions. Albury is the second person who made disclosures to the press to

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11 Sep 2017

Lie Detector Tests: Latest Example Of How Trump May Further Entrench Obama’s War On Leaks

If Jeff Sessions is considering lie detector tests for leakers, it’d fit into the institutional crackdown on leaks previously championed by President Obama.

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04 Aug 2017

Facing Crisis Of Legitimacy, Trump Administration Pledges To Intensify War On Leaks

President Donald Trump’s administration is in the throes of a crisis of legitimacy and leadership, with federal government employees concerned and unwilling to stay quiet about chaos, incompetence, and questionable acts unfolding within institutions. To respond to an increase in leaks to the press, the Justice Department pledged to escalate

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25 May 2017

Trump Administration’s Dysfunction Fuels Prospect Of Leaks Prosecutions

The frenetic political climate intensified by leaks will likely push the Trump administration to pursue aggressive leaks prosecutions.

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03 May 2017

The FBI Director’s Unsettling Argument For Why WikiLeaks Doesn’t Deserve First Amendment Protection

FBI director James Comey indicated WikiLeaks remains focus for intelligence agencies and prosecuting Julian Assange for his work as a publisher remains possible.

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20 Apr 2017

FBI Tightens Restrictions On Personnel Communications With Media To Clampdown On Leaks

The FBI’s effort to crackdown on leaks fits a larger trend in national security agencies, since WikiLeaks, Chelsea Manning, and Edward Snowden

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17 Feb 2017

President Donald Trump’s Vengeful Pledge To Pursue ‘Low-Life Leakers’

President Trump ordered the Justice Department to look into “criminal leaks,” suggesting there would be penalties for unauthorized disclosure of classified information.

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26 Jan 2017

CIA Poised To Crack Down on Whistleblowers If Torture Program Restored

With Trump signaling he favors illegal torture, the CIA is positioned to crack down on whistleblowers who inform public of return of illegal programs.

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