The administration withdraws New York Times subpoenas after federal judge identifies multiple government errors
The administration announced the unilateral withdrawal of subpoenas compelling several New York Times reporters to testify regarding a leak about President Trump's Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet. The decision followed a hearing in the Southern District of New York, where Judge Arun Subramanian grilled federal prosecutors on several "inadvertent errors" made during the process. During the hearing, Sean Buckley, chief counsel to the U.S. attorney, admitted that the government failed to meet the "all reasonable attempts" standard, which requires investigators to exhaust alternative sources before subpoenaing reporters. The Justice Department also admitted to making several errors, including a public confirmation of the investigation while simultaneously seeking a non-disclosure order under penalty of perjury. While the administration maintains that the investigation into those leaking classified information remains ongoing, the withdrawal was seen as a victory for the news media. The New York Times and the administration's own legal team conceded that the subpoenas were issued prematurely, though the administration remains committed to pursuing justice against those who leaked the classified information.