Trump administration subpoenas New York Times journalists over Air Force One coverage
Four New York Times reporters received subpoenas to testify before a Manhattan grand jury after the paper reported on President Trump's Air Force One switch, prompting criticism from press freedom groups and lawmakers.
The Justice Department issued subpoenas to four journalists from The New York Times, requiring them to appear before a Manhattan grand jury on Wednesday. The subpoenas relate to the newspaper's reporting on President Donald Trump's decision to swap a newly-gifted Air Force One jet for an older aircraft during his return from the NATO summit in Ankara, a move the paper said was prompted by security concerns.
The journalists named were Eric Schmitt, Tyler Pager, Eric Lipton and Julian E. Barnes. According to the Times, a senior FBI official had earlier asked the outlet to delay its coverage and to reveal its anonymous sources, a request the newspaper declined.
"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," said David McCraw, the Times' lawyer.
Press-freedom organization CPJ called the subpoenas an "extraordinary escalation" that threatens independent news outlets, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the action as a misuse of federal resources. The subpoenas were authorized by U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, who is slated to become director of national intelligence pending Senate confirmation.
The move adds to a series of legal confrontations between the Trump administration and media organizations, including lawsuits filed by Trump against the BBC and The Wall Street Journal, and previous raids on journalists covering the administration.