Chuck Todd: ‘I look forward to ignoring’ DOJ subpoena

NBC’s “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd said on Friday that he would ignore any subpoena the Department of Justice issues him if the agency pursues media outlets in its investigation of leaks.

“If DoJ media source threat is real (I assume it’s not; just a show presser to please WH) then I look forward to ignoring that subpoena,” Todd wrote to his 1.79 million followers.

{mosads}

Todd’s declaration comes after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced on Friday a government-wide crackdown on leakers. Sessions warned might target the media and ask for sources to be revealed. The investigation will include a review of the Justice Department’s policies on subpoenas for media outlets that publish sensitive information.



“We respect the important role that the press plays and will give them respect, but it is not unlimited. They cannot place lives at risk with impunity,” Sessions said. “We must balance their role with protecting our national security and the lives of those who serve in our intelligence community, the armed forces, and all law abiding Americans.”

“I have this message for the intelligence community: the Department of Justice is open for business,” he added. “And I have this warning for would-be leakers: don’t do it.”

“The worst way to stop leaks: threats,” Todd tweeted, apparently responding to Sessions.

The top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mark Warner (D-Va.), said on Thursday that Congress should probe the leak of transcripts of President Trump’s phone calls with the leaders of Mexico and Australia, a leak both parties have condemned.