Source: Fortune.com
Summary
The Trump administration has sought phone records of several New York Times journalists and their relatives, including a reporter’s mother and two journalists’ spouses, in an effort to unmask the sources of articles about Trump’s Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet. The Times has challenged the subpoenas, arguing that the government ignored its own guidelines and demonstrated “bad faith” in issuing the subpoenas. The Justice Department has justified the subpoenas, saying that “reporters are not the targets, those leaking classified information are.”
Our Reading
The announcement sounds familiar.
The Trump administration’s actions are part of an ongoing legal challenge to quash subpoenas served on three journalists who reported on security concerns involving the jet. The administration has clashed with the press on multiple fronts, including lawsuits, administrative actions, and public threats. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the press’ ability to operate free of governmental restrictions. The government’s efforts to unmask the sources of the articles have raised concerns about the protection of confidential sources and the freedom of the press.
Author: Evan Null
