Conceding Major Screwups, DOJ Pauses NYT Subpoenas

Key Points:

• The Trump DOJ's investigation into Air Force One leaks involving the New York Times reporters has faced major setbacks, including admitted procedural errors and a two-week hold on subpoenas targeting the reporters.
• Federal prosecutors mistakenly subpoenaed phone records of reporters' family members, including individuals with sensitive professional roles, due to reliance on flawed law enforcement database information.
• The government failed to consider Second Circuit Court precedent protecting reporter privilege before issuing subpoenas, leading to a concession that further investigative steps are needed to justify their actions.
• The NYT accuses prosecutors of misleading the court by not disclosing phone record subpoenas earlier, though the DOJ cites recent case law as justification for eventually informing counsel.
• Separately, Senator John Cornyn is conditioning his support for Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination on ending a controversial DOJ "slush fund" and revising IRS immunity granted to former President Trump, signaling tougher Senate demands.