The Trump administration has issued subpoenas to several New York Times journalists after the newspaper published reports about possible security concerns involving the newer Air Force One aircraft. The subpoenas seek testimony before a federal grand jury in Manhattan, according to reporting on the case.
Reporters Ordered to Testify
The subpoenas reportedly require the journalists to appear before a federal grand jury on Wednesday.
According to the Times, federal agents delivered some of the subpoenas directly to reporters at their homes.
The action has raised concerns among press freedom advocates because the reporting involved anonymous sources and national security issues.
New York Times Lawyer Criticizes Move
David McCraw, a lawyer for The New York Times, sharply criticized the government’s actions.
He said federal agents showing up at journalists’ homes should deeply concern anyone who values the Constitution and press freedom.
The White House and the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter, according to reports.
Air Force One Plane Swap Draws Attention
The subpoenas followed reports about President Donald Trump’s recent travel after a NATO summit in Turkey.
Trump flew the newer Air Force One aircraft to the summit but later departed on an older Air Force One model for a stop at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, England.
Both aircraft travelled to Mildenhall, and Trump later switched back to the newer plane for the return flight to Joint Base Andrews.
Timing Came Amid Iran Tensions
The aircraft switch happened as a fragile ceasefire with Iran collapsed.
The United States had launched airstrikes on Iran, while Tehran responded with attacks on three Gulf Arab states.
The tense security environment added attention to questions about why the president changed planes.
Reports Said Secret Service Urged Switch
The New York Times reported that the switch was made at the urging of the Secret Service.
The paper later reported that the newer aircraft lacked some advanced security features found on the older Air Force One planes, including certain antimissile capabilities.
Both Times stories relied on anonymous sources.
CBS News Also Reported Security Advice
CBS News also reported that the Secret Service advised Trump to use the older aircraft.
U.S. officials told CBS that the newer plane had been put into service quickly and did not yet include some desired capabilities.
A former U.S. government official also told CBS there were concerns that the aircraft had not had enough time or funding to be fully equipped with defensive systems expected for a presidential plane.
Trump Denied Security Concerns
Trump denied that security worries were behind the stop at Mildenhall.
He said on social media that the stop was arranged so service members there could see the newer jet.
During the flight, Trump also told reporters travelling with him that threats involving Iran were not the reason two planes flew home.
When asked whether he knew of any credible Iranian threat against Air Force One, Trump brushed off the question and said he faces threats constantly.
White House Defends New Aircraft
The White House later denied that the newer aircraft had security shortcomings.
Spokesman Steven Cheung said the plane was a modern, high-level aircraft fitted with security protocols designed to protect the president and staff.
The administration has maintained that the aircraft is secure despite reporting that raised concerns about its defensive readiness.
Broader Press Freedom Concerns
The subpoenas have intensified questions about the Trump administration’s approach to leak investigations and press freedom.
Reports noted that the Justice Department had previously attempted to compel testimony from Washington Post and Wall Street Journal reporters in separate leak-related matters before later dropping those efforts.
Media advocates are likely to watch the case closely because it involves efforts to question journalists about reporting tied to government security decisions.
The subpoenas issued to New York Times journalists have turned a dispute over Air Force One security reporting into a broader press freedom controversy. The reports centered on why Trump switched aircraft after the NATO summit and whether the newer presidential plane lacked certain defensive features.
While Trump and the White House deny security concerns, the move to compel journalists’ testimony has raised serious questions about government pressure on reporters and the protection of confidential sources.