New York Times reporters ordered to testify over Air Force One security report donated by Qatar | Today’s news
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has subpoenaed four New York Times journalists after they reported on alleged security concerns about the new Air Force One gifted to Qatar, intensifying the Trump administration’s ongoing confrontation with the media.
According to The New York Times, federal agents served subpoenas to reporters Julian E. Barnes, Eric Lipton, Tyler Pager and Eric Schmitt, including at some of their homes.
The subpoenas were reportedly issued after FBI Director Kash Patel and senior Justice Department officials met at the White House on Friday to discuss the investigation.
The Ministry of Justice defended its actions by saying that reporters were not the target of the investigation.
“To be clear, the targets are not reporters, but those who leak classified information,” the ministry said.
He added that while the press plays an important role in American democracy, the government has a responsibility to investigate the unauthorized release of classified information affecting national security.
A report focused on Air Force One security concerns
The subpoenas stem from reports that questioned the safety capabilities of the newly commissioned Air Force One, a plane donated by Qatar that the Trump administration spent about $400 million upgrading before it entered service.
Although President Donald Trump flew the plane to a NATO summit in Turkey earlier this week, he switched to an older Air Force One for the return trip from Mildenhall, UK.
Citing anonymous sources, The Times said the change was recommended by the Secret Service because the newer planes reportedly lacked some advanced defense systems, including anti-missile capabilities.
The White House strongly denied the claims.
White House spokesman Steven Cheung described the plane as “state-of-the-art” and said it was equipped with high-level security measures to protect the president and his staff.
Trump also dismissed speculation that security concerns led to the plane replacement, saying the stopover in Britain allowed military personnel to view the new aircraft.
When asked about possible Iranian threats to Air Force One, Trump replied: “I have a threat all the time. I’m No. 1 on their list.”
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Press freedom groups condemn the subpoena
The subpoena has drawn sharp criticism from media organizations and press freedom advocates, who say the move threatens constitutional protections for journalists.
David McCraw, a lawyer representing The New York Times, called the action alarming.
“The presence of federal law enforcement agents on the doorstep of news reporters should shock the conscience of every American who believes in the Constitution and the freedom of the press it protects.”
Bruce D. Brown, president of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said the subpoenas depart from longstanding Justice Department standards that require prosecutors to seek testimony from journalists after all other investigative avenues have been exhausted.
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