^

World

Trump administration obtained phone records of journalists: Washington Post

Agence France-Presse
Trump administration obtained phone records of journalists: Washington Post
In this file photo taken on September 26, 2020 US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he makes his way to board Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC. The Trump administration secretly obtained the phone records of Washington Post journalists who reported on allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 election, the newspaper reported on May 7, 2021, prompting concerns over freedom of speech.
Olivier Douliery / AFP

WASHINGTON, United States -- The Trump administration secretly obtained the phone records of Washington Post journalists who reported on allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 election, the newspaper reported Saturday, prompting concerns over freedom of speech.

The Justice Department sent letters to three reporters -- Ellen Nakashima and Greg Miller, and former Post reporter Adam Entous -- saying that it had received work, cell or home phone records "for the period from April 15, 2017, to July 31, 2017," according to the Post.

The newspaper was "deeply troubled by this use of government power to seek access to the communications of journalist," Post acting executive editor Cameron Barr was quoted as saying.

"The Department of Justice should immediately make clear its reasons for this intrusion into the activities of reporters doing their jobs, an activity protected under the First Amendment," he continued.

The American Civil Liberties Union said the Justice Department had been "spying" on the journalists "at the whims of an administration."

"This should never have happened," the ACLU tweeted. "When the government spies on journalists and their sources, it jeopardizes freedom of the press."

The Justice Department said it had followed "established procedures" with the requests, the Post reported, citing a department spokesman.

The letters did not specify why the records were seized. 

But, near the end of that period, the three wrote a story about US intelligence which suggested that Jeff Sessions, who later became attorney general under Donald Trump, had discussed the Trump campaign with the Russian ambassador.

They also wrote a story on the Obama administration's efforts to counter Russian interference in the 2016 election.

US intelligence agencies have concluded Russia hacked into the computer servers of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) during Trump's campaign against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

Trump has played down Russia's involvement in the DNC leak, famously appearing to side with Russian President Vladimir Putin over his own intelligence agency's assessment.

vuukle comment

DONALD TRUMP

PRESS FREEDOM

Philstar
x
  • Latest
  • Trending
Latest
Latest
abtest
Recommended
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with