White House Probe Seizes Officials' Phones Over Qatar‑Gifted Air Force One

The White House launched a large‑scale investigation after reports that security flaws in a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar and slated to serve as a new Air Force One were leaked to the press. President Donald Trump reacted angrily, and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and FBI director Kash Patel personally directed the probe, setting up a West Wing “war room” for about seven hours. Federal officials were asked to turn over their mobile phones; some complied while others refused. At least one agency warned employees to contact their lawyers if outside investigators requested devices or information. The Justice Department issued subpoenas to New York Times journalists who reported on the aircraft’s deficiencies, prompting criticism from press‑freedom groups. Secret Service agents who flew with the president were also targeted. A White House official said, “Leaks that jeopardize the safety of the President, White House staff, and the traveling press pool are dangerous and threaten national security.” The investigation reflects a broader crackdown on leaks of national‑defense information within the Trump administration.