The Trump administration has subpoenaed four New York Times journalists: Julian E. Barnes, Eric Lipton, Tyler Pager, and Eric Schmitt, following their reports concerning security issues with the new Air Force One. These reports, citing anonymous sources, indicated that the Secret Service urged a temporary halt to the plane's use due to escalating tensions with Iran, and alleged the new aircraft lacked advanced defensive systems, including antimissile capabilities, present in older models. The new jet, a gift from Qatar, underwent a $400 million retrofit before entering service.
The subpoenas demand the reporters testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan, with federal agents delivering some subpoenas to their homes. This action has been widely condemned as an escalation of the Trump administration's campaign against the media and a threat to press freedom. The Justice Department, however, stated that reporters are not the targets, but rather those leaking classified information, emphasizing its role in investigating individuals who share national secrets.
The White House denied any security shortcomings, stating the new Air Force One is a "state-of-the-art aircraft" with high-level security protocols. President Trump dismissed security concerns, suggesting a flight stop was for service members to view the jet. Similar subpoenas issued earlier this year to reporters from The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal were later withdrawn by the Justice Department. Criticism from press freedom advocates highlighted the move as a departure from long-standing Justice Department practices safeguarding press independence.
