5 New York Times reporters subpoenaed in federal leak probe
Why it matters: The subpoenas test weak federal protections for reporters in criminal cases and could chill leak reporting nationwide.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan subpoenaed five New York Times reporters to testify before a grand jury this week after the newspaper reported security concerns about a Qatari-donated Air Force One. The Times said the subpoenas, issued by U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, seek testimony tied to an alleged federal criminal violation. Executive Editor Joe Kahn said the paper would fight the move, which followed reporting that President Donald Trump used an older presidential jet for recent travel because the newer Boeing 747 lacked some protections. Federal law offers reporters only limited protection against grand jury subpoenas, and no federal shield law bars prosecutors from compelling testimony in leak investigations.