The administration seeks phone records from New York Times journalists to identify sources who reported on security concerns regarding a new Air Force One jet.
The administration is pursuing phone records from several New York Times journalists and their relatives to unmask confidential sources who reported on security deficiencies in a new Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet. The move follows a series of reports indicating that the new aircraft, which the administration spent $400 million to retrofit, lacked some of the advanced security features found in the older model. The New York Times has filed a motion to quash the subpoenas, arguing that the government is acting in bad faith by seeking records for a broad timeframe rather than focusing on specific news articles. While the Justice Department maintains that the reporters are not the primary targets, the move has been criticized by free press advocates as a potential intimidation tactic. The investigation was personally overseen by Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and FBI Director Kash Patel. The administration defended the move, stating that leaks jeopardizing the safety of the President and his staff are a threat to national security.