According to Bloomberg, prosecutors issued subpoenas late Friday demanding the reporters identify sources for two Times stories about the presidential aircraft. The reporting detailed how the newer jet lacked antimissile systems present on the older plane and revealed that the Secret Service advised Trump to use the older aircraft for his return from Turkey after Iran threat warnings.
Subpoenaing journalists over national security leaks sends a chilling message to sources inside government. When the story concerns whether the president's aircraft is less secure than advertised, that message carries weight. Every official considering whether to talk to the press will hear it. So will every newsroom covering this White House.
The administration argues that leaks about presidential movement and defenses pose genuine security risks. White House spokesman Steven Cheung denied any Air Force One security concerns, per Bloomberg, framing the subpoenas as a necessary tool to protect operational security rather than suppress unfavorable coverage.
If the reporting is wrong, the government says so on the record and moves on. Subpoenaing journalists tells you the administration sees leak investigations as a political weapon, especially when the story cuts against Trump's image of command and control. The immediate target is four Times reporters. The real target is anyone inside government thinking about confirming the next embarrassing fact.
Filed to the Politics desk · Jul 11