Several reporters from The New York Times have been subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury. The legal action follows the publication of news reports detailing security concerns related to the development and features of the new Air Force One aircraft.
The subpoenas seek information regarding the sources and materials used for the reports. The government has not publicly disclosed the specific nature of the grand jury investigation, but the inquiry coincides with the publication of technical details concerning the presidential aircraft.
The legal move has drawn attention from press freedom advocates. Will Creeley and other observers have questioned whether the subpoenas align with established Department of Justice guidelines regarding the collection of information from members of the news media. No formal charges against the reporters or the newspaper have been announced.