Key facts
- The Trump administration has subpoenaed New York Times journalists.
- The subpoenas are related to reporting on security concerns about a Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet.
- The journalists are being compelled to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan.
- The subpoenas cite an alleged violation of federal criminal law.
- The New York Times stated the action is an attempt to intimidate journalists and undermine press freedom.
The Trump administration has issued subpoenas to several New York Times journalists following their reporting on security concerns surrounding a new Air Force One aircraft, a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar. The subpoenas, delivered by federal agents, seek to compel the reporters to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan regarding an alleged violation of federal criminal law.
The journalists targeted include Julian E. Barnes, Eric Lipton, Tyler Pager, and Eric Schmitt. Their reporting indicated that President Donald Trump departed Turkey on an older Air Force One as a security precaution, urged by the Secret Service, due to the newer jet lacking advanced security features like antimissile capabilities. These stories relied on anonymous sources discussing sensitive security matters.
Before the initial article's publication, a senior FBI official reportedly contacted The Times, requesting the story be held on national security grounds and asking for the disclosure of sources, which the newspaper refused. The Justice Department stated that while reporters are not the targets, investigations into leaks of classified information impacting national security will continue.
David McCraw, a newsroom lawyer for The Times, strongly condemned the action, calling it an attempt to intimidate journalists and prevent the public from knowing how their government operates. He argued that such actions undermine the constitutional protection of press freedom.