The U.S. Department of Justice has subpoenaed several New York Times journalists after the newspaper reported on security questions involving a newly introduced Air Force One aircraft gifted to President Donald Trump by Qatar.
According to the Times, the subpoenas seek testimony before a federal grand jury in Manhattan. The newspaper said some reporters received subpoenas at their homes from federal agents. The journalists named by the Times include Julian E. Barnes, Eric Lipton, Tyler Pager and Eric Schmitt.
The Justice Department said the reporters are not targets of the investigation. In a statement, officials said the inquiry is focused on identifying people who may have leaked classified information affecting national security. The department said it respects the role of the press but has a responsibility to investigate unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information.
Media advocates and representatives for the Times criticized the move. David McCraw, a lawyer for the newspaper, said the use of federal agents to deliver subpoenas to reporters should “shock the conscience” of Americans who value constitutional press protections. Bruce D. Brown, president of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said the subpoenas depart from longstanding Justice Department practices that generally treat demands for journalists’ information as a last resort.
The dispute follows Times reporting that raised questions about the security features of the new Air Force One. The paper, citing anonymous sources, reported that Trump switched aircraft during recent travel after concerns were raised by the Secret Service. The report said the newer plane may lack some advanced protective systems found on older presidential aircraft.
Trump and the White House denied that security concerns drove the aircraft change. Trump said the stop in England allowed service members to see the new plane. A White House spokesperson described the aircraft as state-of-the-art and equipped with high-level security protocols.
The subpoenas come amid broader tensions between the Trump administration and major U.S. news organizations.