Hegseth Announces Pentagon-DOJ Task Force To Crack Down On Leaks

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the creation of a joint task force between the Pentagon and the Department of Justice aimed at identifying and prosecuting government officials who leak sensitive information to the media.

In a video released Monday, Hegseth said the new initiative will use “the full force of the law” to investigate unauthorized disclosures that he said jeopardize military operations and national security.

Hegseth said he has directed the Pentagon’s Office of General Counsel to work directly with the Justice Department and granted it broad authority to obtain records, documents, and departmental support needed to identify the sources of leaks. He also thanked Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for partnering with the Pentagon on the effort.

“We’re coming after the people who are leaking sensitive information,” Hegseth said, adding that those responsible would be prosecuted “with the full force of the law.”

The announcement follows a series of high-profile leaks involving military operations and presidential security. Most recently, the Justice Department subpoenaed four New York Times reporters as part of an investigation into the source of information used in a report about security concerns surrounding President Trump’s newly refurbished Air Force One. Prosecutors have said the reporters themselves are not targets of the investigation.

Hegseth argued that unauthorized disclosures can place American service members at risk, compromise military missions, and undermine national security. He said protecting classified and sensitive information is essential to maintaining the effectiveness of the armed forces.

The new task force builds on a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten control over sensitive government information. In recent months, the Pentagon has expanded internal leak investigations, strengthened media access rules, and warned employees that unauthorized disclosures could lead to criminal prosecution.

The Justice Department and Pentagon have not announced any new criminal charges connected to the task force, but officials said investigations are already underway and additional cases could follow as prosecutors work to identify individuals responsible for leaking protected information.