Trump administration subpoenas journalists over Air Force One story

The U.S. Department of Justice has issued subpoenas to several New York Times journalists, demanding their testimony before a federal grand jury. The order stems from the newspaper's reporting on security concerns surrounding President Donald Trump's new Air Force One aircraft, which was a gift from Qatar.

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an extraordinary escalation in President Trump's efforts to threaten and intimidate independent news organisations.

The subpoenas, issued by U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton in Manhattan, were reportedly delivered to reporters' homes by federal agents. The New York Times described this action as an "extraordinary escalation" in President Trump's efforts to "threaten and intimidate independent news organizations."

A Justice Department spokesperson declined to confirm or deny the subpoenas but asserted that the administration's focus is on individuals leaking classified information, not on targeting reporters. The White House directed all inquiries to the Justice Department.

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When federal agents arrive at the homes of journalists with subpoenas, it is not ordinary law enforcement. It is an extraordinary assault on the freedom of the press that strikes at the heart of the First Amendment.

Journalism advocacy groups have voiced strong criticism, labeling the subpoenas a threat to press freedom and constitutional rights. The National Press Club urged the Justice Department to withdraw the subpoenas immediately, calling the action "an extraordinary assault on the freedom of the press."

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When the public's right to know is crushed, as the Trump administration is trying to do with its subpoenas against The New York Times, all of us suffer irreparable harm, as does the freedom upon which this nation is built.