Natanson is not the subject of the investigation. The FBI executed a search warrant at her residence last week, seizing both her work and personal devices as part of an investigation into alleged leaks by a Pentagon contractor.

The Washington Post filed a motion seeking the return of the reporter's property, along with a separate motion for a standstill order to prevent review of the seized devices until the court rules on their return. According to a Post court filing, "Almost none of the seized data is even potentially responsive to the warrant, which seeks only records received from or relating to a single government contractor." The filing further stated that the seized data includes "core First Amendment-protected material."

The government has not yet publicly commented on the specifics of the case beyond confirming the existence of an ongoing investigation. Legal experts note that searches involving journalists' materials are subject to heightened scrutiny due to First Amendment concerns. The Department of Justice guidelines require specific authorization for such searches, balancing the need for law enforcement with the protection of press freedom.

Further proceedings will be held to determine whether the search can resume or if the government must return the devices. The outcome of these proceedings could have implications for the balance between national security investigations and the protection of journalistic sources.