The fact that this email was sent to Associated Press tells me that they do have a problem. Obviously, internal communications are no longer secure and they need to go through extreme measures.

Most government organizations have a "Public Affairs" office. These folks are tasked to properly divulge information to the public or other organizations.

If it's any consolation, the only time my office has ever received a 'gag order' from my bosses is when a leak is realized. Most of the time the intent of the 'gag order' is not to shut everyone up (because everyone who has ever worked with for the gov't is educated as to how information is supposed to flow out of the organization), but is used to FIND the leak.