Justice Department Agrees to Withdraw Subpoenas for New York Times Journalists

The federal government has withdrawn its subpoenas compelling three New York Times reporters to testify about their anonymous sources in reporting that contradicted President Donald Trump’s claims about his Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet.

The withdrawals in U.S. District Court followed a remarkable back and forth between a visibly irritated Judge Arun Subramanian and government attorneys.

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian has paused enforcement of the subpoenas pending Thursday’s hearing, which is set for 2 p.m. ET in Manhattan federal court.

The notion that leak investigations are primarily designed to find leakers now seems quaint.