The Lawfare Podcast cover image

The Lawfare Podcast

Lawfare Archive: The Justice Department, Congress and the Press

Dec 21, 2024
Join Quinta Jurecic, a national security law expert, former FBI agent Pete Strzok, Berkeley law professor Orin Kerr, and press freedom advocate Gabe Rottman as they dive into the controversial actions of the Justice Department regarding journalist and congressional records. They explore the ethical implications of government surveillance, the lack of accountability from past attorneys general, and the stark tensions between the press and government oversight. This conversation reveals critical insights into the balance of power and the fate of press freedoms.
48:45

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Justice Department's surveillance of journalists and Congress members during the Trump administration raised significant concerns about government transparency and press freedom.
  • Scrutinizing the legality of the Justice Department's actions highlights the importance of adhering to internal guidelines concerning media leak investigations.

Deep dives

Justice Department's Controversial Surveillance

The Justice Department faced significant backlash for obtaining phone and email records of various journalists and members of Congress during the Trump administration. These actions were criticized as potential abuses of power, raising concerns about the legality and appropriateness of targeting perceived political opponents and the media. Reports indicated the department had retrieved data linked to individuals involved in leak investigations, prompting calls for detailed investigations into the motives and processes behind these actions. The ensuing public outrage highlighted deeper issues regarding government transparency and the treatment of press freedom.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode