The Trump administration has issued subpoenas to several journalists from The New York Times over a report concerning security concerns linked to the new Air Force One aircraft, according to the newspaper. The subpoenas, issued on Friday, require the reporters to appear before a federal grand jury in Manhattan on Wednesday.
The newspaper reported that some federal agents delivered the subpoenas directly to the homes of the journalists. The move has drawn criticism from The New York Times, with the publication’s lawyer David McCraw calling the action a serious concern for press freedom and the constitutional protections afforded to journalists.
The White House and the Department of Justice had not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the subpoenas. The journalists named in the report include Julian E. Barnes, Eric Lipton, Tyler Pager and Eric Schmitt.
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The subpoenas follow a report by The New York Times examining security-related questions surrounding the new Air Force One aircraft, which President Donald Trump received as a gift from Qatar and which entered service recently. The report cited anonymous sources who claimed the aircraft lacked some advanced security features available on older presidential aircraft.
The controversy emerged after Trump used the new aircraft during a trip connected to a NATO summit in Turkey but later switched to an older Air Force One aircraft for part of his return journey. The newer aircraft later transported him back to Joint Base Andrews after a stop in England. The change in aircraft sparked speculation over whether security concerns influenced the decision.
Trump denied that security issues were behind the aircraft switch and said the stop was intended to allow service members to see the new plane. The White House also rejected claims that the aircraft had security shortcomings, stating that the new Air Force One was equipped with advanced safety and protection systems.
The action against The New York Times journalists comes amid broader tensions between the Trump administration and media organisations. Earlier this year, the Justice Department had issued subpoenas involving reporters from other major newspapers, including The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal, though those subpoenas were later withdrawn. The latest development has renewed debate over government pressure on news organisations and the role of press freedom in holding public officials accountable.
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