War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Monday that the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice have established a joint task force aimed at identifying and prosecuting individuals responsible for leaking sensitive government information, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.
The announcement, made July 13, comes as the Pentagon moves to strengthen its response to unauthorized disclosures involving national security matters.
According to Hegseth, the new initiative will expand the Defense Department’s ability to investigate leaks and coordinate enforcement efforts with the Justice Department.
The Hill reported that the task force will focus on identifying individuals who improperly disclose sensitive information and pursuing criminal prosecution when warranted.
As part of the new policy, Hegseth said the Defense Department’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) will have authority to request and receive information, records, and support from across the Pentagon in connection with investigations involving leaks to the news media.
Under the directive, every Defense Department component and employee will be required to prioritize those requests.
Hegseth said any taskings issued by the Office of General Counsel must receive a “full and complete” response within two days after the request is submitted.
In a video lasting approximately two and a half minutes that was posted on X, Hegseth said unauthorized disclosures pose a direct threat to the nation’s military and security operations.
“Leaked information risks lives. These new tools and processes will greatly assist us in protecting our joint force. The security of our nation cannot be a bargaining chip for those who seek momentary headlines,” Hegseth said.
He also warned that individuals entrusted with classified information who violate that responsibility will face legal consequences.
“Access to confidential and secret information is a sacred trust, and those who betray that trust will be met with the full force of the law.”
The task force represents a formal partnership between the Pentagon and the Justice Department as the administration seeks to increase accountability for unauthorized disclosures involving defense-related information.
According to The Hill, the Office of General Counsel will oversee requests for records and investigative support across the Defense Department, with mandatory cooperation required from Pentagon personnel.
The expedited two-day response requirement is intended to accelerate leak investigations and improve coordination between the department’s legal office and federal law enforcement.
The announcement follows ongoing concerns within the federal government over unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information.
Leak investigations have periodically been launched by multiple administrations, but Hegseth said the Pentagon is implementing additional tools and procedures designed to strengthen enforcement.
The new initiative takes effect immediately, according to Hegseth’s announcement.
The Defense Department’s updated process is intended to ensure that requests made through the Office of General Counsel receive prompt attention while allowing investigators to gather records and information needed to identify the source of unauthorized disclosures.
Hegseth’s announcement was accompanied by a social media post highlighting the creation of the task force and its mission to prosecute individuals who leak sensitive national security information.
The announcement comes as federal authorities continue efforts to investigate unauthorized disclosures involving government operations.
