The U.S. Justice Department is asking a Manhattan federal judge to uphold subpoenas issued to two New York Times journalists who reported on security concerns surrounding President Donald Trump’s use of a Qatar-donated Air Force One. The subpoenas, issued by U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, seek to identify anonymous sources behind reports claiming the aircraft lacked key defensive systems when Trump traveled during heightened tensions in the Middle East.
The New York Times has asked the court to quash the subpoenas, arguing they violate First Amendment protections and are intended to intimidate journalists. The newspaper also contends the Justice Department failed to follow its own internal policies governing subpoenas against members of the press. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian has temporarily paused enforcement while considering the case.
Federal prosecutors argue that the First Amendment does not protect reporters from disclosing essential information in criminal investigations involving alleged leaks of classified national security information. The case has intensified concerns among press freedom advocates, who say the Trump administration has increasingly used subpoenas and legal action against media organizations, while the administration maintains it is targeting unauthorized leaks—not journalists themselves.
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