Judge Questions DOJ Handling of Washington Post Reporter Search

U.S. Magistrate Judge William Porter pressed government lawyers on why they did not mention a law restricting searches of journalists.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A U.S. judge sharply questioned Justice Department lawyers about their handling of a search of a Washington Post reporter's home last month. U.S. Magistrate Judge William Porter pressed government lawyers to explain why they did not mention a 1980 law restricting searches of journalists when they sought approval to search the home of reporter Hannah Natanson as part of a national security investigation.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between press freedom and national security investigations, as well as concerns about the Justice Department's conduct under the previous administration. The judge's questions suggest potential legal missteps by DOJ lawyers in obtaining the search warrant.

The details

Judge Porter revealed that he had rejected prior versions of the proposed warrant, and he pressed DOJ attorney Gordon Kromberg on why prosecutors did not reference the 1980 Privacy Protection Act, which restricts searches of journalists. Kromberg argued the law did not apply since the reporter was allegedly a participant in potential criminal conduct. The FBI searched Natanson's Virginia home and seized her cellphones and laptops as part of an investigation into the alleged leak of classified information.

  • The search of Natanson's home occurred last month.
  • The hearing where Judge Porter questioned the DOJ lawyers took place on February 20, 2026.

The players

William Porter

A U.S. Magistrate Judge who sharply questioned Justice Department lawyers about their handling of the search of a Washington Post reporter's home.

Gordon Kromberg

A DOJ attorney who argued that the 1980 Privacy Protection Act did not apply since the reporter was allegedly a participant in potential criminal conduct.

Hannah Natanson

A Washington Post reporter whose home was searched by the FBI as part of an investigation into the alleged leak of classified information.

The Washington Post

The news organization that employs reporter Hannah Natanson and has challenged the search of her home, describing it as unprecedented.

Simon Latcovich

An attorney for the Washington Post who argued the raid "froze Ms. Natanson's newsgathering" and risked exposing more than 1,000 confidential government sources.

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What they’re saying

“How could you miss it? How could you say it doesn't apply?”

— William Porter, U.S. Magistrate Judge (ksgf.com)

“The raid 'froze Ms. Natanson's newsgathering' and risked exposing more than 1,000 confidential government sources.”

— Simon Latcovich, Attorney for the Washington Post (ksgf.com)

What’s next

Judge Porter has temporarily blocked the government from searching the material seized from Natanson's home while the Washington Post's legal challenge plays out.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between press freedom and national security investigations, as well as concerns about potential legal missteps by the Justice Department in obtaining search warrants involving journalists. The judge's sharp questioning suggests the DOJ may have overlooked key legal protections for reporters.