DOJ sought phone records of NYT reporters' spouses and a parent in Air Force One leak probe

WASHINGTON, DC: The Department of Justice (DOJ) reportedly sought phone records belonging to New York Times reporters' spouses and one reporter's mother as it expanded its investigation into leaks about the Qatari-gifted jet intended for use as Air Force One.

The reported move has intensified the newspaper's legal fight with the department. The newspaper argued the subpoenas fit an "alarming pattern of conduct" aimed at independent reporting on President Donald Trump's administration.

DOJ reportedly expanded records request

The New York Times reported on Monday, July 20, that the Justice Department sought communications records from third-party providers, including "calls and messages on the phones of two of the reporters' spouses" and one reporter's mother.

The requests are tied to the department's effort to identify confidential government sources behind the newspaper's reporting on security concerns involving the Qatari-gifted aircraft, the report said.

Earlier this month, the DOJ issued subpoenas to The New York Times journalists who worked on those stories, prompting backlash from press freedom groups.

According to the report, the latest effort extends beyond the reporters themselves by seeking records connected to members of their families.

The newspaper has vowed to challenge the department's actions in court.

NYT challenges DOJ over leak investigation

In a letter filed with a New York judge last week, the newspaper described the government's actions as "deeply concerning."

The legal dispute centers on reporting that relied on confidential government sources discussing security concerns surrounding the aircraft, which was gifted by Qatar for presidential use. 

DOJ defends investigation into classified leaks

The Justice Department defended its actions on Monday, saying "any subpoena issued by the Department of Justice is done so in full compliance with federal law and internal Department policy."

The department also rejected claims that it was targeting journalists. In a statement provided to The Hill last week, it said, "Reporters are not the targets, those leaking classified information are."

A DOJ spokesperson added, "We recognize there may always be natural tension there, but we are not going to ignore the law and stop investigating the people who work in the administration and think it's OK to leak classified information impacting national security."

The dispute comes as the newspaper is separately defending itself in litigation brought by Trump over its reporting during his most recent White House campaign, a lawsuit the president says has merit as a defamation claim, while the newspaper's lawyers argue it is without merit.

Trump has repeatedly criticized The New York Times during both of his terms in office, frequently referring to the publication as "failing" and "fake" while publicly calling out individual reporters by name.