Justice Department cites national security in response to CNN, Politico, MS NOW lawsuit

The U.S. Justice Department has filed a formal response to a lawsuit brought by CNN, Politico and the Mississippi chapter of the National Organization for Women (MS NOW), arguing that the plaintiffs’ request for the release of certain investigative materials must be denied on national‑security grounds. The suit, filed earlier this month, seeks to block the department’s subpoena of communications and internal documents related to an ongoing federal investigation, contending that the demand infringes on First‑Amendment protections for journalists and civil‑rights groups. In its filing, the Justice Department asserts that the information sought is integral to a sensitive investigation, and that disclosure could jeopardize law‑enforcement methods, sources and ongoing operations.

The department’s response emphasizes that the balance between press freedom and national security is a longstanding legal consideration, and it urges the court to uphold the subpoena to preserve the integrity of the investigation. While the plaintiffs maintain that the subpoena is overly broad and lacks adequate safeguards, the Justice Department has offered limited protective measures but insists that any compromise would still risk exposure of classified or otherwise protected material. The case is set for a hearing next month, and its outcome could shape the scope of governmental authority to compel journalistic records in matters deemed critical to national security.