DHS is using obscure law to snoop on journalists, non-profits, unions
The Trump administration is reportedly using administrative summons to bypass judicial oversight when requesting private data from tech companies about journalists and activists. This method allows the DHS to obtain information without establishing probable cause or notifying the subjects of the surveillance.
Why it matters
It highlights significant concerns regarding government surveillance powers, press freedom, and the erosion of judicial checks on executive authority.
Federal agents in Newark, New Jersey, on 30 May. Federal agents in Newark, New Jersey, on 30 May. Trump administration Trump’s DHS is using an obscure law to secretly snoop on journalists, non-profits and unions: ‘It’s outrageous’ Even after judges rejected the same ploy, the Trump administration is going directly to social media and telecommunications companies
Sam Levine in New York City Sat 29 Aug 2026 08.00 EDT Last modified on Sat 29 Aug 2026 09.30 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google T he Trump administration has been deploying an obscure legal maneuver to try to obtain private information on journalists, non-profits and unions, raising alarm over a power the government has asserted without judicial oversight.
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