Trump administration subpoenas NYT reporters over Air Force One report
2026-07-11
The Trump administration on the 10th issued subpoenas to multiple New York Times reporters who reported on security flaws in the new presidential aircraft, Air Force One, asking them to testify before a federal grand jury in New York on the 15th. The subpoenas said there was a suspicion of violation of federal law, but gave no specific basis. The paper reported on the 11th that it was unusual pressure.
Pressure on media intensifies
The administration has continued its attacks on the media, branding negative coverage as 'fake news'. This time, one reporter was shown the subpoena by federal agents at home, according to the report. The paper said threats and intimidation by President Trump against the press have reached an unusual level.
In a statement, the NYT said it was 'shameless' and 'an affront to the conscience of Americans who believe in the U.S. Constitution and the press freedom it guarantees'. It also stressed that reporters have a role in conveying facts and serving the public's right to know how tax money is spent.
Conflict between administration and media
The subpoena was issued by Clayton, the federal prosecutor in New York state, whom Trump has nominated as the next director of national intelligence. The NYT reported that the new presidential aircraft received from Qatar did not have missile defense capabilities. In response, a senior official at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reportedly asked the paper not to publish the article.
In June as well, the administration issued subpoenas to reporters at the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post over coverage of attacks on Iran and Venezuela, in an attempt to identify sources. However, it withdrew the subpoenas after both papers objected. Trump has stepped up efforts to silence criticism, including filing lawsuits seeking enormous damages against media outlets that published unfavorable reports about him.
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