Key facts
- The Justice Department has subpoenaed New York Times journalists.
- The subpoenas relate to reporting on alleged security concerns with President Donald Trump's new Air Force One.
- Federal agents delivered some subpoenas to reporters' homes.
- The New York Times described the action as a "brazen act" and an attack on press freedom.
- The journalists are expected to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan.
The U.S. Department of Justice has subpoenaed several New York Times journalists who reported on security concerns regarding President Donald Trump's new Air Force One. The newspaper described the move as a "brazen act" and an attempt to prevent the public from knowing what is happening in their country by intimidating journalists.
Federal agents reportedly delivered some subpoenas to reporters' homes, demanding they appear before a federal grand jury investigating a potential crime. The Justice Department stated it is investigating illegal leaks of national security information, emphasizing its role in ensuring national secrets are handled properly.
The reporting in question detailed security concerns about the new aircraft, which was gifted by Qatar. The New York Times reported that security officials were concerned the newer plane did not have advanced security features, including antimissile capabilities, and that President Trump flew part of the way home on an older plane on the advice of the Secret Service. The newspaper stated that while speaking to media about classified information is a crime, the U.S. Constitution protects the freedom of the press to report information in the public interest.
David McCraw, the Times's top newsroom lawyer, called the summons a "brazen act" and "nothing more than an attempt to prevent the public from knowing what is happening in their country by intimidating journalists from doing their jobs." The subpoenas require the reporters to appear before a grand jury in Manhattan on Wednesday.
Press organizations and lawmakers have condemned the subpoenas. National Press Club President Mark Schoeff Jr. called for their immediate withdrawal, emphasizing the importance of a free press. White House Correspondents’ Association President Weijia Jiang stated the organization stands with the Times reporters and condemned any act of intimidation. Stephen J. Adler, chair of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, warned of irreparable harm to freedom. Democrats in the Senate, including Sen. Chris Coons and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, criticized the administration's actions as a threat to the First Amendment and the public's right to know.