DOJ subpoenas NYT journalists who reported on security flaws in Trump's new Air Force One

WASHINGTON, DC: The Trump administration on Friday, July 10, issued subpoenas to several New York Times journalists, compelling them to testify before a federal grand jury after the newspaper published reports detailing security concerns surrounding President Donald Trump's new Qatari-donated Air Force One aircraft. 

The subpoenas are a part of a DOJ investigation into the disclosure of sensitive information related to the presidential aircraft. The outlet condemned the move, describing it as a "brazen attack" on press freedom. The reporters said that the Boeing 747-8 lacked some of the advanced defensive capabilities installed on the existing Air Force One fleet.

Justice Department seeks testimony from reporters in leak investigation

The subpoenas, issued by the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, require several journalists working for the outlet to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan next week regarding what the documents describe as an "alleged violation of federal criminal law." 

According to the newspaper, some subpoenas were personally delivered by federal agents at reporters' homes. The journalists who received subpoenas include Julian E Barnes, Eric Lipton, Tyler Pager and Eric Schmitt.

A senior FBI official reportedly contacted the newspaper requesting that the story be delayed, citing national security concerns. According to the newspaper, the official declined to explain the specific security issue when editors sought further clarification.

The outlet's deputy general counsel David McCraw said, "The appearance of federal law enforcement agents on the doorstep of news reporters should shock the conscience of any American who believes in the Constitution and the press freedom it protects."

He added, "Our journalists report the facts and advance the American public's right to know how their government is operating and their taxpayer dollars are being used. This brazen act should be seen as nothing more than an attempt to prevent the public from knowing what is happening in their country by intimidating journalists from doing their jobs."

Reports details aircraft security concerns as White House defends presidential jet

The reports that prompted the subpoenas said Trump's Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8 lacks some advanced anti-missile systems found on the existing Air Force One fleet.

Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said,  "Time didn't permit all the normal Air Force One modifications, so some mix of security, communications and support is missing." He added, "With the Iran situation, this could be of concern. Frankly, I'm surprised to see this plane used outside the US."

The reports noted that Trump flew the aircraft during trips to North Dakota and the NATO summit in Turkey before returning to Washington aboard the older Air Force One. While Trump said he switched aircraft "for old time's sake," officials cited in the reports said the Secret Service had urged caution amid renewed concerns over threats linked to Iran.

The White House Communications Director, Steven Cheung, rejected the reports, saying, "The new Air Force One is a state-of-the-art aircraft that has been fitted with high-level security protocols that ensure the safety of the president and his staff."