Government withdraws subpoenas for New York Times reporters over Air Force One probe

The Department of Justice withdrew subpoenas seeking testimony and records from New York Times journalists and their family members after a federal judge questioned the manner in which the legal requests were issued, the Times said. The subpoenas related to reporting that security concerns prompted the Secret Service to advise President Trump to change planes during his return from a NATO summit in Turkey.

Prosecutors had argued the subpoenas were needed to investigate leaks of potentially classified information, while the New York Times called the demands abusive and improper. During a hearing, the US attorney’s office acknowledged procedural errors in serving the subpoenas, and the judge said the government could refile corrected requests.

The Times reported that one journalist’s mother and another’s spouse were targeted for records requests. David McCraw, the paper’s chief legal officer, said the court’s proceeding affirmed protections for a free press and noted the government conceded the subpoenas violated the law.

The reporting that prompted the leak probe said the new Air Force One, a Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar and unveiled by President Trump, lacked certain advanced security features, leading the Secret Service to recommend the president travel on an older plane from the NATO summit. The Justice Department stated the leak investigation remains ongoing.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The court hearing revealed procedural missteps by prosecutors in serving subpoenas to journalists and family members, prompting the government to withdraw the demands. The Times’ legal team argued the subpoenas improperly targeted relatives’ devices, and the judge allowed the possibility of refiled subpoenas while the Justice Department affirmed the investigation continues.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• DOJ withdrew subpoenas for New York Times reporters after a judge questioned how they were served.
• Subpoenas related to reports that the Secret Service advised President Trump to change planes due to security concerns about the new Air Force One.
• The Times said family members’ records were sought; the paper’s lawyer called the subpoenas unlawful while the DOJ said the leak probe continues.