U.S. orders New York Times journalists to testify over Air Force One report

U.S. orders New York Times journalists to testify over Air Force One report
Donald Trump disembarks the new Air Force One after arriving at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S., 1 July 2026.
Reuters

The U.S. Department of Justice has ordered several New York Times journalists to testify before a federal grand jury. 

The move follows their reporting on security concerns involving President Donald Trump's Qatari-donated Air Force One, the newspaper said on Saturday (11 July).

According to the publication, the subpoenas were issued on Friday and require the journalists to appear before a grand jury on Wednesday in connection with "an alleged violation of federal criminal law."

The newspaper said the subpoenas were issued by Jay Clayton, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, with some delivered directly to reporters' homes by federal agents.

Newspaper condemns subpoenas

The New York Times described the move as "an extraordinary escalation" in what it called President Trump's efforts to pressure independent news organisations.

The Justice Department did not confirm or deny the existence of the subpoenas.

In a statement to Reuters, a department spokesperson said the administration was not targeting journalists but was focused on investigating the unauthorised disclosure of classified information.

The White House referred questions on the matter to the Justice Department.

Report on Air Force One

The subpoenas relate to reporting on security concerns surrounding a Boeing aircraft donated by Qatar for use as President Trump's new Air Force One.

Earlier this week, Trump said he planned to fly on the older presidential aircraft from Ankara to the Royal Air Force base at Mildenhall in the United Kingdom "for old time's sake", while the newly donated aircraft remained at the base so U.S. service personnel could tour it.

The new Air Force One, carrying Donald Trump, lands at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S., 1 July 2026.
Reuters

Video later showed Trump boarding the new aircraft at Mildenhall before it departed for the United States.

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