Story perspectives

Judge forces DOJ to drop NYT reporters’ subpoenas

7/25/2026

Center

DOJ Withdraws Subpoenas

The U.S. Justice Department withdrew subpoenas targeting three New York Times reporters and their relatives in Manhattan federal court on July 10, 2026.
Judge Arun Subramanian spent roughly ninety minutes questioning DOJ attorneys and warned that any future subpoenas must obey strict journalist-protection rules.
Attorney Jay Clayton issued subpoenas after the Times reported U.S. President Donald Trump switched aircraft.
DOJ lawyer Sean Buckley admitted errors, such as requesting a reporter’s mother’s phone records.

Left

DOJ Withdraws Subpoenas

On July 10 2026, the U.S. Justice Department withdrew subpoenas on three New York Times reporters and relatives in Manhattan federal court.
The withdrawal was framed as a retreat from the administration’s campaign to intimidate journalists covering President Donald Trump’s security decisions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Buckley said the subpoenas would be withdrawn after the judge’s criticism.
Judge Arun Subramanian warned that false statements in the subpoenas could have led to sanctions.

History

Historical Context

In June 1971 the Supreme Court, in a 6-3 ruling, rejected the Nixon administration’s attempt to block the New York Times from publishing the Pentagon Papers, cementing the First Amendment’s bar on prior restraint. The decision built on Near v. Minnesota (1931) and has guided later courts. On July 10 2026 Judge Arun Subramanian cited that precedent when he rebuked Justice Department subpoenas of Times reporters, reinforcing press independence.

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DOJ Withdraws Subpoenas

The U.S. Justice Department withdrew subpoenas targeting three New York Times reporters and their relatives in Manhattan federal court on July 10, 2026.
Judge Arun Subramanian spent roughly ninety minutes questioning DOJ attorneys and warned that any future subpoenas must obey strict journalist-protection rules.
Attorney Jay Clayton issued subpoenas after the Times reported U.S. President Donald Trump switched aircraft.
DOJ lawyer Sean Buckley admitted errors, such as requesting a reporter’s mother’s phone records.

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