DOJ Withdraws Subpoenas for New York Times Journalists

The US Department of Justice has withdrawn its subpoenas for New York Times journalists over their reporting on President Trump's Qatari-gifted jet. According to a DOJ spokesperson, the decision was made after US District Judge Arun Subramanian threatened the administration with sanctions unless the subpoenas were withdrawn.

The investigation into the leaking of classified information remains ongoing, with the DOJ stating that it will pursue justice against those responsible. The New York Times had moved to quash the subpoenas, calling them a brazen effort to intimidate the press and arguing that the government did not overcome the legal threshold to compel reporters to disclose confidential sources.

The journalists in question had reported on the security measures of the luxury Boeing 747-8 compared to those on the old Air Force One, citing people briefed on the retrofitting of the plane and the president's travel plans. The DOJ had argued that the reporting presented a substantial national security concern, including potential leaks of classified or national defense information.