January 15, 2026 – The FBI executed a search warrant at the Virginia residence of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson on Wednesday, in what the newspaper described as a “highly unusual and aggressive” move. According to The Post, Natanson was informed that she is not accused of any wrongdoing, and neither she nor the newspaper had been notified in advance about being part of a Justice Department investigation.
Who Is Hannah Natanson?
Hannah Natanson is a seasoned journalist based in Washington, D.C., reporting for the Washington Post. She covers President Donald Trump’s reshaping of the federal government and its broader effects. Previously, Natanson spent six years covering education.
Her journalism career is decorated with prestigious honors:
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2022 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service as part of a Washington Post team covering the January 6 insurrection.
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Pulitzer Prize finalist for Breaking News Reporting in 2020.
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George Foster Peabody Award in 2024 for a podcast series on school gun violence.
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Finalist for the Poynter Journalism Prizes’ First Amendment Award.
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Recipient of the Society of Professional Journalists’ Dateline Award for Investigative Journalism.
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National First-Place Award for News Reporting from the Education Writers Association in 2020.
Natanson holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University.
Why Did the FBI Execute a Search Warrant?
The FBI search was linked to a federal investigation into a Pentagon contractor, Aurelio Perez-Lugones, a Maryland-based system administrator with top-secret security clearance. He is accused of improperly retaining classified materials. Importantly, the criminal complaint does not accuse Natanson or any journalist of receiving classified information illegally.
The warrant allowed agents to seize several electronic devices from Natanson’s home, including:
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Her phone
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A Garmin watch
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Two laptops (one belonging to her employer, The Washington Post)
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the search was executed at the request of the Department of Defense. Bondi alleged that a Washington Post journalist had been obtaining “classified and illegally leaked information,” while the alleged leaker is reportedly in custody.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the matter as an ongoing national security investigation but declined to provide further details.
In an internal memo to staff, Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray emphasized that the newsroom received no prior notice of the search.
The move has sparked concern among journalists and press freedom advocates, highlighting tensions between national security investigations and protections for investigative reporting.