Journalists Subpoenaed Over Air Force One Security Reporting
Several New York Times journalists were ordered to testify under oath following their reports on alleged security issues concerning President Donald Trump's new Air Force One aircraft, according to the US newspaper.
Federal agents served subpoenas at the reporters' residences, requiring their appearance before a federal grand jury investigating a potential crime, the Times reported.
The newspaper had published articles alleging that the plane, gifted by Qatar, lacked sufficient security measures, and that the Secret Service advised Trump to switch planes when returning from a NATO summit in Turkey.
The Justice Department informed the BBC that it is investigating unlawful leaks, emphasizing:
"Reporters are not the targets, those leaking classified information are."
David McCraw, the Times's chief newsroom attorney, described the subpoenas as a
"brazen act" and "nothing more than an attempt to prevent the public from knowing what is happening in their country by intimidating journalists from doing their jobs."
The subpoenas, which are legal orders from a court or government agency compelling a person to appear or produce evidence, state that the reporters' testimony is required
"in regard to an alleged violation of federal criminal law,"
the Times reported.
The summonses require the journalists to appear before a Manhattan grand jury on Wednesday. Grand juries, composed of public members and convened by the US government, examine evidence to determine if there is sufficient cause to charge individuals with a crime.
Details of the Reporting and Legal Context
The New York Times reported security concerns about the president's plane, citing unnamed sources. While disclosing classified information to the media is a crime, the US Constitution safeguards press freedom to report information in the public interest.
The Justice Department stated in a message to the BBC:
"We value and appreciate the important role that the press plays in this country, but DoJ also plays an important role to make sure that the people entrusted with our nation's secrets do what they're supposed to do with that information, which means not sharing classified information."
On Wednesday, the Times reported that while Trump flew to the NATO summit in Turkey aboard the new Air Force One, he departed on an older aircraft based on Secret Service advice. The following day, the newspaper reported that security officials were concerned the newer plane lacked advanced security features, including antimissile capabilities.
McCraw stated:
"Our journalists report the facts and advance the American public's right to know how their government is operating and their taxpayer dollars are being used."
Other media outlets, including CBS News, the BBC's US news partner, published similar reports. A former US government official told CBS that there was insufficient time or funding to update the plane with the necessary security features to serve as Air Force One.
These reports emerged amid escalating tensions with Iran over a negotiated ceasefire deal and ongoing US military strikes.
Trump's Response and Details on the New Air Force One Jet
Trump dismissed concerns about the plane when questioned by reporters, stating:
"I have a threat all the time. I'm No. 1 on their list."
Last month, Trump unveiled the new Boeing 747-8 jet, which the Qatari government donated last year as an "unconditional" gift to the US to serve as the new Air Force One.
The luxury jumbo jet was modified to transport the president and included upgrades in security, mission communications, logistics support, and advanced technology, according to the Air Force. Any potential threats identified with the use of previously owned aircraft were
"neutralised"
in the new plane, it added.
The aircraft has been valued at an estimated $400 million (£300 million).
