The Trump administration has subpoenaed New York Times reporters over their coverage of the presidential plane Air Force One. The move is seen as a new stage in the tensions between Trump and the independent media.
According to a statement from New York Times, at least four reporters received subpoenas. Some of the subpoenas were delivered to the journalists' homes by federal agents. The reporters are said to be compelled to testify before a grand jury in Manhattan on Wednesday.
Condemnation from press organizations
The newspaper's attorney David McCraw said, "The sight of federal law enforcement knocking on the doors of news reporters should shake the conscience of every American who believes in the Constitution and the press freedom it protects."
Reporters Without Borders (CPJ) CEO Jodie Ginsberg demanded the subpoenas be withdrawn, saying, "These subpoenas represent an extraordinary escalation in President Trump's efforts to threaten and intimidate independent news organizations."
The subpoenas were approved by Jay Clayton, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, a senior official in Trump's Department of Justice. Clayton is expected to become the director of national intelligence.
Return from the NATO summit in Ankara
At the center of the issue are New York Times reports on Trump's return flight from the 2026 NATO summit in Ankara. On the return, Trump used the old presidential plane instead of the new Air Force One.
At a press conference on July 8, Trump, citing security concerns, said, "A president's life is very dangerous," adding, "I'm number one on Iran's kill list."
The same day, New York Times, citing anonymous sources, reported that the change was made at the request of the Secret Service for security reasons. A follow-up the next day stated that the new plane lacked the security capabilities of the old one and there wasn't enough time to make the necessary upgrades. Experts estimate the cost of the upgrades could reach up to $1 billion.
The four journalists targeted were Eric Schmitt, Tyler Pager, Eric Lipton, and Julian E. Barnes.
According to New York Times, before the subpoenas were issued, a senior FBI official contacted the newspaper, citing national security, and asked it to delay the story and provide information about its anonymous sources. The newspaper refused this request.
Trump's ongoing battle with the media
The subpoenas represent the latest clash between the Trump administration and the US media. Trump has a long-running legal battle with New York Times. In September, he filed a $15 billion damages lawsuit against the newspaper, and refiled it in October.
Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC, alleging that a documentary distorted his speech before the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. He is also seeking $10 billion from Wall Street Journal.
In January, the FBI raided the home of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson. At least two judges have barred the Trump administration from using information seized in that raid.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the subpoenas in a social media post. Schumer said: "This subpoena is a massive overreach and an outrageous abuse of federal law enforcement resources that should alarm every American."
Times attorney McCraw argued that the White House is trying to restrict "the American people's right to know how their government works."
