The Trump administration has subpoenaed four New York Times journalists who reported on security concerns surrounding a Qatari-gifted jet serving as the new Air Force One. The journalists – Julian E. Barnes, Eric Lipton, Tyler Pager, and Eric Schmitt – have been subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan.

Security Concerns and Leaks

The subpoenas suggest that the Trump administration is trying to find out who leaked to the Times before the news organization reported that President Donald Trump left Turkey on the old Air Force One over security concerns from the Secret Service. The Trump administration has been fuming at the reports of security concerns surrounding the $400 million gift from Qatar.

FBI Director Kash Patel met with officials at the White House to discuss the bureau’s investigation into disclosures about security concerns with the new plane. Patel also had a conversation with President Donald Trump about the investigation. The Times reported that a senior FBI official contacted them to request that the story not be published over a national security issue, but the official declined to say what the issue was.

Reaction and Implications

The New York Times’ top newsroom attorney, David McCraw, condemned the subpoenas, stating that 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. Advocacy groups for journalists called the subpoenas an attack on the public’s right to know about government operations.

Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.