'New York Times' alleges White House abuses legal system to intimidate reporters
The New York Times is challenging the Trump administration in court, alleging that the government is abusing the legal system to identify reporters' sources. The dispute centers on reporting regarding security concerns surrounding a new Air Force One jet.
Why it matters
This case underscores ongoing tensions regarding press freedom and the use of federal subpoenas to intimidate journalists covering the executive branch.
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The New York Times will argue in a federal court hearing Thursday that the White House is abusing the justice system to fish for its reporters' sources in a story that outraged President Trump.
More broadly, the newspaper contends, the Trump administration is seeking to deter those same reporters from intense coverage of the president.
The offending stories, according to the Times , focused on security concerns surrounding the new luxurious Air Force One jet , a gift from the Qatari government.
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