Addressing the intense criticism his administration has taken recently for its aggressive targeting of leaks, President Barack Obama said in a speech Thursday at National Defense University that the focus should be on those who have broken the law and not journalists who are simply doing their jobs.
“As Commander-in Chief, I believe we must keep information secret that protects our operations and our people in the field. To do so, we must enforce consequences for those who break the law and breach their commitment to protect classified information,” Obama said, according to text as prepared for delivery. But a free press is also essential for our democracy. I am troubled by the possibility that leak investigations may chill the investigative journalism that holds government accountable. Journalists should not be at legal risk for doing their jobs. Our focus must be on those who break the law.”
The President then reiterated his support for a new media shield law to “guard against government over-reach” and has directed Attorney General Eric Holder to review the Justice Department’s guidelines with reporters.
