The New York Times won a temporary victory Thursday when a federal judge postponed a Trump administration effort to compel three of its reporters to testify before a grand jury about their confidential sources.
In a Manhattan courtroom last week, the newspaper asked U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian to block what it called an extraordinary attempt to force reporters Julian Barnes, Eric Lipton, and Eric Schmitt to reveal their sources. The subpoenas — delivered directly to the journalists’ homes — stem from The Times’ reporting on security concerns surrounding a Qatari-donated jet that President Trump has sought to use as the next Air Force One.
According to Jon Passantino at Status, Judge Subramanian granted The Times’ request, delaying the reporters’ scheduled grand jury appearances while the court considers the paper’s motion to quash the subpoenas. A hearing on the motion is now set for July 23. The judge ordered the Justice Department to file its response today and to address whether any of The Times’ court filings should remain sealed.
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| Joe Kahn |
If the Trump administration ultimately succeeds in forcing the reporters to testify, press advocates warn it would send a chilling message to journalists and government sources alike. Confidential sources are often essential for the public to learn about government misconduct, national security issues, or other matters of significant public interest. Compelling testimony in this case risks disrupting that flow of information and muzzling critical reporting.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and major news organizations over leaks and investigative journalism. For now, Barnes, Lipton, and Schmitt will not have to appear before the grand jury while the court weighs whether the subpoenas should stand.