NYT moves to quash subpoenas for phone records of reporters and family members

The Justice Department attempted to access phone records of New York Times reporters and their families to identify confidential sources related to an article about security concerns with a Qatar-donated Air Force One plane. The Times reported that subpoenas were issued to several journalists on the same day they published a story advising President Trump to use the old presidential aircraft due to questions about the new plane’s military capabilities. The subpoenas, signed by Jay Clayton, Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, did not specify any charges but demanded reporters testify before a federal grand jury. The Times sought to block these subpoenas, arguing they were an attempt to intimidate journalists and chill their reporting. The Justice Department claimed the subpoenas complied with federal law, but the Times argued they violated policies by delaying notification. The case is being overseen by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian. QUESTION: How might the actions of the Justice Department in this case impact the freedom of the press and the public’s right to information?