US creates task force to prosecute leaks to news media, Hegseth says

The Justice Department and Pentagon have teamed up to form a joint task force aimed at identifying and prosecuting leaks to news media, sparking concerns over press freedom and government transparency. This move has been criticized by some as an attempt to silence whistleblowers and control public discourse, raising questions about the balance between national security and open communication. With implications for how information flows in a democracy, this task force could set a troubling precedent if it leads to more aggressive legal actions against journalists and sources.