Senate Democrats Demand Answers on DOJ Subpoenas Targeting Times Reporters

Sen. Adam Schiff is leading a Democratic push for the Justice Department to explain why it subpoenaed New York Times journalists covering Qatar's gift of an Air Force One jet to President Trump.

Senate Democrats led by Sen. Adam Schiff are investigating DOJ subpoenas served on New York Times reporters.
The subpoenas relate to Times coverage of a Qatari government gift of an Air Force One aircraft to President Trump.
Schiff and colleagues are demanding the DOJ explain the legal basis and scope of the subpoenas.
Press-freedom advocates have raised alarm that the subpoenas could expose confidential sources.
The DOJ has not publicly commented on the scope or targets of the subpoenas.

Senate Democrats are pressing the Justice Department to account for subpoenas issued to reporters at The New York Times, targeting coverage of a Qatari government jet gifted to President Donald Trump, the Wail confirmed Tuesday.

Sen. Adam Schiff of California is leading the inquiry, joined by a group of Democratic colleagues demanding the DOJ disclose the legal basis and breadth of the subpoenas before they proceed further.

The Times reporters received the subpoenas in connection with stories about the Air Force One aircraft Qatar offered Trump, a transaction that drew scrutiny on Capitol Hill earlier this year.

Schiff's office sent a formal letter to the DOJ asking whether the subpoenas were designed to compel testimony or force disclosure of confidential sources, according to reporting reviewed by the Wail.

Press-freedom organizations warned the subpoenas could have a chilling effect on national-security reporting if sources face exposure.

The DOJ has not issued a public statement on the matter.

Schiff is expected to push for a DOJ response by mid-August, with the possibility of committee action if no answer is received.