New York Times alleges White House abuses legal system in subpoena dispute
8 reported
The New York Times is arguing in federal court that the White House is abusing the justice system to identify sources for a story about security concerns surrounding the new Air Force One jet, a gift from the Qatari government. The newspaper contends the Trump administration is seeking to deter reporters from intense coverage of the president. FBI agents delivered subpoenas to several reporters’ homes on the night of July 10, two days after the first story was published, compelling grand jury testimony. The Times says the FBI also sought phone records for five reporters, two spouses, and one reporter’s mother without initially disclosing this to the newspaper. The Justice Department insists it acted properly in pursuit of preserving national security, stating any subpoena was issued in full compliance with federal law and internal policy. A hearing is scheduled Thursday before U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan.
What’s reported
The New York Times will argue in a federal court hearing Thursday that the White House is abusing the justice system to find sources for a story about security concerns with the new Air Force One jet.
The offending stories focused on security concerns surrounding the new Air Force One jet, a gift from the Qatari government.
FBI agents delivered subpoenas to several reporters’ homes on the night of Friday, July 10, two days after the first story was published.
The FBI pursued records involving all five reporters and several reporters’ family members, the paper said.
The Times legal team, led by David A. O'Neil, wrote that the government’s actions violate First Amendment protections for newsgathering activity.
The Justice Department said any subpoena was issued in full compliance with federal law and internal policy.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in Senate testimony he had followed all appropriate policies and is committed to the First Amendment.
The hearing will be before U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian in a Manhattan federal courthouse.
Key figures
David A. O'Neil, lawyer for the New York Times
Katherine Marsh, wife of Times reporter Julian E. Barnes
Julian E. Barnes, New York Times reporter
Kash Patel, FBI Director
Arun Subramanian, U.S. District Court Judge
Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York
A.G. Sulzberger, Publisher of the New York Times
Maggie Haberman, Times reporter
Jonathan Swan, Times reporter
Sources: NPR
