Washington, DC – The US Department of Justice has subpoenaed several New York Times journalists to testify before a federal grand jury. This follows the newspaper’s reporting on security concerns surrounding the new presidential aircraft gifted to US President Donald Trump by Qatar.
The move has sparked widespread debate about press freedom and the handling of classified information leaks.
Summonses issued to journalists
The New York Times reported that the subpoenas were issued Friday, requiring the journalists to appear
before a grand jury next Wednesday to testify about what authorities described as an “alleged violation of federal criminal law.”
The newspaper added that the subpoenas were issued by US Attorney Jay Clayton in Manhattan.
Federal agents delivered them to the journalists, and some were sent to their homes.
The Ministry of Justice defends the procedures
The US Department of Justice neither confirmed nor denied issuing the subpoenas,
but clarified in a statement that the administration is not targeting journalists,
but rather focusing on investigating the leaking of classified information that could harm national security.
The White House also referred all inquiries related to the case to the Department of Justice.
In contrast, The New York Times described the move as an unprecedented
escalation in the Trump administration’s dealings with media organizations.
The newspaper considered it an attempt to pressure independent media outlets.
Qatari plane is at the center of the controversy
The investigations come after media reports raised security concerns about the new presidential aircraft provided by Qatar.
President Donald Trump had announced that he used an older presidential plane
for his flight from Ankara to RAF Mildenhall in the UK.
The new aircraft, however, underwent inspections by US military personnel at the base.
Footage later showed Trump boarding the new plane in preparation for his return to the United States.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the leak of information related to the aircraft continues.
