Government Withdraws Subpoenas Against New York Times Reporters in Air Force One Jet Case
The U.S. government has withdrawn subpoenas against three New York Times reporters who were asked to testify about their sources for articles concerning President Donald Trump's Air Force One jet, a gift from Qatar. The withdrawal came after a federal…
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 23, 2026 —
The U.S. government has withdrawn subpoenas that were issued to three New York Times reporters. These reporters had been asked to testify regarding their sources for articles that covered President Donald Trump’s Air Force One jet, which was reportedly a gift from Qatar.
The decision to withdraw the subpoenas followed criticism from a federal judge regarding the government’s legal strategy. The judge expressed concern that the subpoenas were not being used as a last resort, as the government’s actions had, in the judge’s view, “turned the law and the regulations on its head.” The government’s approach was questioned as potentially overreaching in its pursuit of journalistic sources.
The articles in question pertained to the status and details surrounding President Trump’s Air Force One jet. The source of the jet, identified as a gift from Qatar, was a central point of the reporting. The government’s attempt to compel testimony from the reporters sought to uncover the origins of the information published by The New York Times.
However, the federal judge’s remarks highlighted a significant legal principle: that issuing subpoenas to journalists should be an action of last resort. This suggests a strong precedent for protecting journalists’ ability to shield their sources, particularly when alternative methods of obtaining information may be available to the government.
The government’s withdrawal signifies a pause or a shift in its investigative tactics concerning this matter. The exact implications for the ongoing investigation into the Air Force One jet reporting remain unclear. The New York Times had previously stated its commitment to protecting its reporters and their sources.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
