During a court hearing on July 23, a Justice Department prosecutor confirmed plans to withdraw subpoenas previously issued to New York Times reporters. The journalists had been targeted for their coverage of security concerns regarding President Donald Trump’s use of an Air Force One aircraft donated by the Qatari government. The reporting highlighted that the donated plane lacked essential defensive features, such as antimissile systems, which were present on older aircraft.
The subpoenas, which sought testimony before a federal grand jury, were originally issued by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, who has been tapped as the next U.S. director of national intelligence. In response to the legal action, the Times petitioned a federal judge to dismiss the subpoenas, asserting that they were improperly filed and violated First Amendment press protections. Federal Judge Arun Subramanian questioned government counsel for approximately an hour regarding the investigation before the withdrawal was announced by prosecutor Sean Buckley. During the proceedings, Buckley noted that the government investigation remains active and that the reporters could potentially be subpoenaed again in the future.
A Justice Department spokesperson criticized the judge’s handling of the matter, stating that the court blocked the government from presenting the "meticulous process" of its investigation. The spokesperson further argued that the judge’s actions overrode "longstanding principles" and prevented the grand jury from accessing "core evidence" related to a national security probe. The department maintained that it would continue to pursue those responsible for leaking classified information, which they characterized as a serious federal crime.
David McCraw, an attorney representing the Times, welcomed the development, describing it as an "important affirmation of our country’s commitment to a free press." However, he emphasized that the subpoenas should never have been issued. McCraw stated that the news organization and its journalists remain committed to seeking the truth without fear or favor and will not be intimidated by such tactics.
The legal move had previously drawn sharp criticism from organizations including the National Press Club, the International Press Institute, and the Committee to Protect Journalists, who accused the administration of attempting to intimidate the press. National Press Club President Mark Schoeff Jr. praised the news, noting that the use of government investigative powers against journalists is an "extraordinary intrusion" that threatens the public’s right to information.
This incident occurs amidst a broader effort by the Trump administration to penalize leaks. Similar actions have included the April 2025 revocation of protections for journalists, an FBI search of a Washington Post reporter’s home in January, and a proposal in May for government-wide nondisclosure agreements carrying civil and criminal penalties.
