War Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday announced the creation of a joint Pentagon-Justice Department task force to identify, investigate, and prosecute unauthorized leaks, escalating the Trump administration's crackdown on the disclosure of sensitive national security information, The Hill reported

In a video posted on X, Hegseth said the new initiative will give the War Department's Office of General Counsel (OGC) expanded authority to seek records and assistance from every component of the Pentagon as part of leak investigations.

"Leaked information risks lives. These new tools and processes will greatly assist us in protecting our joint force," Hegseth said. "The security of our nation cannot be a bargaining chip for those who seek momentary headlines."

Under the new policy, all War Department offices and personnel will be required to prioritize requests from the OGC related to media leak investigations and provide a "full and complete" response within two days.

Hegseth said the effort reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding classified information and holding those responsible for unauthorized disclosures accountable.

"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," he said.

The announcement marks the latest step in Hegseth's campaign to stem leaks since taking over the Pentagon, according to The Hill. Last year, the department launched multiple internal investigations into suspected leaks and warned that employees could face polygraph examinations.

The War Department has also tightened restrictions on the press under Hegseth's leadership.

Most reporters have been barred from routine access inside the Pentagon after Hegseth revoked media credentials for journalists who declined to sign a revised policy requiring them not to solicit unauthorized government information, even if it was unclassified.

The Pentagon has also designated much of its headquarters as a classified space, further limiting media access.

Hegseth and his supporters have defended the restrictions as necessary to protect national security and prevent unauthorized disclosures, while press freedom advocates have argued the measures infringe on First Amendment protections and hinder independent reporting.