FBI Subpoenas Times Reporters Over Air Force One Security Leak
FBI subpoenas Times reporters; Pentagon pursues leak prosecutions over Air Force One security reporting.
Event / Geopolitics
Trump Air Force One Security
Security concerns raised over President Trump's new Qatar-gifted Boeing 747-8 Air Force One lacking antimissile defense systems. Trump announced July 20, 2026 that the aircraft will undergo month-long security upgrades. Federal authorities subpoenaed New York Times journalists reporting on the plane's security gaps, raising press freedom concerns.
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2026-08-15 to 2026-11-12 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 21 Jul, 02:29 UTC
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What happened
New Air Force One expected to serve through 2028
The Qatar-gifted Boeing 747-8 Air Force One is expected to remain in operation as the presidential aircraft until shortly before 2028, after which ownership will transfer to the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation. The plane replaces a Boeing 747-200 completed in 1990 that served six presidents.
Pentagon announces effort to prosecute leakers of Air Force One information
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the Pentagon would team up with the Justice Department to identify and prosecute those leaking information to the press about the new Air Force One's security capabilities. The announcement followed New York Times reporting on the plane's lack of antimissile defense systems.
Secret Service urged Trump to use older Air Force One departing Turkey
The U.S. Secret Service urged President Trump to use the older Air Force One when departing from the NATO summit in Turkey on July 8, 2026, citing security concerns. Trump had arrived in Turkey on the new Qatar-gifted plane but switched to the older aircraft for the departure to Britain. Trump initially stated the switch was to allow U.S. service members at RAF Mildenhall to tour the new plane.
FBI subpoenas New York Times reporters over Air Force One security reporting
The U.S. Department of Justice issued subpoenas on July 10, 2026 to New York Times journalists to testify before a federal grand jury regarding their reporting on Air Force One security concerns. The subpoenas requested the journalists appear on July 15, 2026 to testify about an alleged violation of federal criminal law related to their article about the plane's security deficiencies.
Qatar's royal family donates $400 million Boeing 747-8 to Trump
The Qatari royal family gifted President Trump a Boeing 747-8 aircraft valued at approximately $400 million in May 2025. The plane was accepted as an unprecedented foreign gift and underwent modifications by the U.S. Air Force starting in September 2025. The retrofit was originally estimated to cost less than $400 million, though exact spending details remain unclear.
New Air Force One first operational flight occurs July 1, 2026
The Qatar-gifted Boeing 747-8 completed its first operational flight on July 1, 2026, when President Trump flew it to North Dakota. The aircraft had undergone approximately 10 months of security and communications modifications at a facility in Texas before entering service.
Trump's new Air Force One to undergo month-long security upgrades
President Trump announced on July 20, 2026 that the new Air Force One, a Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar, will be sent for security upgrades lasting approximately one month. Trump stated the plane "has a lot of capability" but will be "maxed out" with additional security features. During the upgrade period, Trump will fly on the older Air Force One.
New Air Force One lacks antimissile defense systems
The Boeing 747-8 Air Force One gifted by Qatar lacks antimissile defense capabilities and other security features present on the previous model. The older Air Force One is equipped with laser technology to blind incoming missiles, systems to misdirect munitions, and other defensive technologies. The new plane underwent approximately 10 months of modifications before its first flight on July 1, 2026.
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2 alternative perspectives
Qatar-Donated Aircraft Lacks Critical Missile Defense Systems
Qatar-donated Air Force One lacks missile defenses at operational debut, prompting Secret Service concerns.