In Rush to Track Down Air Force One Leaks, DOJ Reversed Its Own Process

Key Points:

• Judge Arun Subramanian questioned Manhattan federal prosecutors about the issuance of subpoenas to New York Times reporters shortly after an article on the president’s plane security concerns was published, suggesting the move was legally questionable.
• Prosecutors, including Sean Buckley, withdrew the subpoenas after about an hour of questioning, indicating the government may not have followed proper legal procedures.
• The incident highlights the Trump administration’s aggressive efforts to identify leak sources and crack down on the news media.
• High-level Justice Department officials, including acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, defended the subpoenas as lawful during recent Senate testimony, despite the judge’s concerns.
• Jay Clayton, nominated to be director of national intelligence, affirmed that procedures were followed to protect First Amendment rights and prevent journalist intimidation.