Trump subpoenas NYT reporters over Air Force One story

Federal orders compel journalists to testify before a grand jury after reports on security concerns tied to a new presidential aircraft

The Trump administration has issued subpoenas to several New York Times journalists following the newspaper’s reporting on security concerns surrounding a new Air Force One aircraft donated to Donald Trump by Qatar.

According to the Times, the orders require reporters to appear next Wednesday before a federal grand jury, which could potentially lead to criminal charges. The move is described by the newspaper as “an extraordinary escalation” in efforts to pressure independent media.

The reporting in question revealed concerns that prompted the Secret Service to advise using the existing presidential aircraft to depart Ankara after the NATO summit.

In a statement, the Times said federal agents had gone directly to reporters’ homes to deliver the subpoenas. The paper’s attorney, David McCraw, called the development alarming, saying it “should shock the conscience of any American who believes in the Constitution and the freedom of the press it protects.”

“Our journalists report the facts and uphold the public’s right to know how their government operates and how taxpayer money is used,” McCraw said. He described the action as a direct attempt to block the flow of information by intimidating reporters.

The subpoenas were issued by Jay Clayton, the federal prosecutor in Manhattan who has been named by Trump as the next director of National Intelligence. The documents provide few details beyond requesting testimony “in relation to an alleged violation of criminal law.”

The newspaper also reported that, prior to publication, a senior FBI official contacted its leadership to request that the story be withheld, citing national security concerns without offering further explanation.

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