New York Times fights Trump administration subpoenas for reporters’ testimony - CNN
The New York Times is legally challenging subpoenas issued by the Trump administration that demand reporters reveal anonymous sources regarding a leak investigation. The administration argues the reporters are material witnesses, while the Times claims the move is a bad-faith effort to punish critical journalism.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing tension between executive branch authority and press freedom, raising significant constitutional questions about the protection of journalistic sources.
The New York Times has taken legal action to challenge unusual subpoenas issued to several of its reporters last week. The subpoenas, which attempt to compel the reporters to testify before a grand jury about their anonymous sources, were “abusive and improper” and should be quashed by a court, the Times’ top newsroom lawyer, David McCraw, said in a statement Wednesday night. “As we set out in our motion, these subpoenas are brought in bad faith to punish The Times for its coverage,” McCraw said. “They violate the constitutional rights of The Times and its journalists.” The demands for testimony were delivered just two days after The Times published a story contradicting President Donald Trump’s claims about the new Qatari-gifted Air Force One. News reporting about the new plane’s security deficiencies angered the president and triggered a sprawling leak investigation.
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