FBI Formed New Media-Leaks Unit, Internal Documents Show

Then-Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions at an Aug. 4, 2017, briefing on national-security leaks. [Photo: Alex Wong / Getty Images.]

The FBI last year established a new unit to counter “media leak threats,” according to internal documents obtained by TYT under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

The documents, which had been marked “SECRET” before being partially declassified in response to TYT’s FOIA request, allege a “rapid” rise in media leaks.

“By law, the FBI is the lead federal agency responsible for the investigation of violations of the espionage laws of the United States,” one document, bearing the subheader “Functions and Mission Statement” reads.

“The complicated nature of — and rapid growth in — unauthorized disclosure and media leak threats and investigations has necessitated the establishment of a new Unit,” the document continues.

Ken Klippenstein of The Young Turks found out that the “FBI has formed a new counterintelligence unit for rooting out leaks to news media, docs I obtained under FOIA confirm,” he tweeted with a link to the story. “This appears to be part of Trump admin’s crackdown on leaks. Last year, Jeff Sessions reported an 800% increase in leak investigations.” Check out Klippenstein’s story, as well as the documents he uncovered.