New York Times Journalists Contest Subpoenas Over Air Force One Security Report

By Jack Queen

NEW YORK, July 23 (Reuters)

The Trump administration’s Justice Department has requested a Manhattan federal judge to uphold subpoenas issued to New York Times journalists reporting on security concerns about President Donald Trump’s use of a Qatar-donated Air Force One.

Clayton, Trump’s pick to lead national intelligence, issued the subpoenas on July 10, targeting the outlet’s coverage of the incident. Critics argue this is part of a broader effort to pressure media outlets, citing requests for source disclosures during an article about the aircraft’s lack of defensive features.

Judge Arun Subramanian has temporarily paused enforcement of the subpoenas pending a Thursday hearing at 2 p.m. ET in Manhattan federal court.

Prosecutors have asked for a two-week hold to align potential legal decisions with the hearing date, while the Times seeks dismissal of the subpoenas, arguing they infringe on press freedoms.

The Times claimed in court filings that the requests aim to harass journalists, violating First Amendment protections, and that the Department of Justice bypassed internal policies requiring high-level approval for such actions.

Prosecutors countered that the First Amendment does not exempt journalists from disclosing information vital to criminal investigations, emphasizing concerns over classified leaks during Trump’s travel amid hostilities with Iran.

Both prior administrations have sought source details in leak cases, though advocacy groups accuse the Trump team of disproportionately targeting reporters, including through subpoenas against the Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post.

The administration insists it is pursuing criminal charges against leakers, not journalists, while Trump’s legal team frames the requests as efforts to hold media accountable for alleged inaccuracies.

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