Media groups decry DOJ subpoenas seeking NYT sources

The Society of Professional Journalists demanded Monday evening that Congress strengthen protections for journalists regarding the disclosure of confidential sources. The society referenced the Department of Justice’s recent subpoenas of four New York Times reporters who covered security questions about the new, Qatari-gifted Air Force One. On Friday, the journalists received subpoenas seeking to force them to identify the confidential sources behind the article, The New York Times said. The subpoenas ordered the reporters to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan on Wednesday, according to the Times. The Society of Professional Journalists said that the protection of confidential sources was essential to a free press.

Other media advocacy organizations, including the National Press Club and the Committee to Protect Journalists, also decried the subpoenas. Jennifer Griffin, Fox News’ chief national security correspondent, said every American should be alarmed by the government’s actions against journalists who were sharing legitimate news.

What did the New York Times article report? The Qatari jet underwent a $400 million retrofit and publicly entered service last week. But President Donald Trump recently relied on an older-model Air Force One jet rather than use the new plane, The New York Times reported. In its article, anonymous sources claimed that the Qatari plane lacked some advanced security features. A lawyer for the Times said the DOJ’s subpoenas were an attempt to prevent public awareness and discourage reporters from doing their jobs.

WORLD reached out to the DOJ and White House for comment but did not hear back before publication.