The FBI Files Leaker is Named
Summary
Hosts and guest Ellie Leonard discuss the discovery of unredacted FBI handwritten notes regarding a Trump sexual assault allegation, which were inadvertently left online by a Washington Examiner reporter. They analyze how independent journalists collaborated to verify the documents, which contain details absent from official reports, and criticize the Department of Justice for withholding evidence in Katie Fang’s lawsuit. The episode highlights the tension between journalistic competition and the urgent need for transparency in this high-profile case.
Topics discussed
Introduction and welcome to Ry Howard Stone
Giving props to reporters and introducing the FBI document
Discovery of handwritten FBI notes on Washington Examiner shelf
The role of Reddit and Ellie Leonard in breaking the story
Analysis of the Washington Examiner's public document repository
Reporter's text messages and careless handling of sensitive data
Verification efforts and Katie Fang's litigation with the DOJ
Reporter's claim of DOJ source and lack of journalistic standards
Timing of the leak and questions about the reporter's inaction
Context of handwritten notes in Katie Fang's court case
Court transcripts and DOJ's previous claims about note releases
Details in notes absent from official FBI 302 reports
Critique of DOJ priorities and failure to investigate thoroughly
Impact on Todd Blanche and the nature of tough journalism
Verification of document authenticity and handwriting analysis
Katie Fang's response and technical difficulties with guests
Seven questions posed to the Washington Examiner reporter
Reporter's silence, victim protection, and conclusion
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