New York Times journalists subpoenaed in Trump Air Force One leak probe

The Department of Justice issued grand‑jury subpoenas to three New York Times reporters—Julian E. Barnes, Eric Lipton and Eric Schmitt—after the newspaper published a story about security flaws in a Qatar‑donated Boeing 747‑8 used as Air Force One. The article said the aircraft lacked advanced anti‑missile protection, prompting President Trump to revert to an older presidential plane after the NATO summit.

The Times has filed a motion to quash the subpoenas, arguing that the actions violate First Amendment rights and constitute intimidation of the press. DOJ officials contend the subpoenas target the source of classified leaks, not the journalists themselves, and are essential to national‑security investigations. The dispute highlights a broader clash between the Trump administration and the media over press freedom.