The Trump administration issued legal subpoenas to several New York Times journalists over their reporting on security concerns regarding the new aircraft donated by Qatar, according to reports. The subpoenas escalate the administration's pressure on the press over the story.
The Trump administration has issued legal subpoenas to several New York Times journalists, escalating a confrontation over reporting on security flaws in the new Qatari-donated aircraft used as interim Air Force One. The subpoenas, first reported Saturday morning (07:39 Jerusalem), were served by federal law enforcement agents at the journalists' doorsteps, demanding grand jury testimony. The New York Times' legal adviser condemned the move as a 'blatant attempt' to intimidate the press and prevent the public from knowing how their government operates, as The Zioneer reported at 07:39 Jerusalem. The administration has not commented publicly on the subpoenas.
This development follows a series of reports by The Zioneer on the aircraft's security deficiencies. On Friday (July 10, 11:22 Jerusalem), The Zioneer reported that the Secret Service forced President Trump to switch from the Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8 to the older Air Force One after his visit to Turkey, determining the new plane lacked critical defense systems including electronic warfare and heat-seeking missile countermeasures. The White House denied safety concerns at the time. The aircraft, valued at $400 million, was formally inaugurated by Trump on July 1 (16:06 Jerusalem), who praised the Emir of Qatar as a 'gentleman.'
As The Zioneer reported on July 9 (14:58 Jerusalem), the US was on high alert over growing fears of an assassination attempt on Trump, though the source of the threat was not specified. The Qatari connection has been a recurring theme in The Zioneer's coverage: on June 10 (17:45 Jerusalem), Fox News reported that a Qatari delegation in Iran was acting on behalf of the Trump administration to close gaps in stalled US-Iran talks.
It remains unclear what specific testimony the grand jury seeks, whether the journalists will comply or challenge the subpoenas in court, and whether the administration will pursue further legal action against the press.
4 developments
- StrongFox News: Qatari delegation in Iran on behalf of Trump administration
- DevelopingQatar mediating talks between US and Iran, New York Times reports
- StrongSecret Service forced Trump to switch from Qatari-donated Air Force One over missing defense systems
- DevelopingUS on high alert over growing fear of assassination attempt on Trump, Israeli media reports
Source and signal
- Internal intake