I don't know that. What I know is you've cited no law where your distinction is relevant. If you want to make assertions about the law, quote the law. I did earlier and couldn't find an exception that authorizes leaking texts of a DOJ employee to the press in a late night secret session not for attribution.
The Privacy Act outlines when, where, to whom, and under what circumstances personal information and texts and emails and other information compiled and held by the government can be released by the government. If the purpose etc. is not on the list, the disclosure isn't legal. That's how the law works.