world-economy

DOJ Subpoenas Times Reporters Over Air Force One Coverage

The Department of Justice has subpoenaed four New York Times journalists over their reporting on a Boeing 747 gifted to the U.S. government by Qatar for use as Air Force One. Federal agents delivered subpoenas Friday evening to the homes of reporters Julian E. Barnes, Eric Lipton, Tyler Pager and Eric Schmitt. The journalists are required to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan on Wednesday regarding an alleged violation of federal criminal law. The Times published stories this week stating the Secret Service urged President Trump to use an older Air Force One model during a recent NATO summit in Turkey due to security concerns. A subsequent report indicated the donated aircraft lacked advanced defensive countermeasures, including antimissile capabilities present on the previous model. The Times characterized the subpoenas as a "brazen act." Senior leadership argued the action undermines constitutional protections for press freedom.