White House Launches Leak Probe Over Qatari-Gifted Air Force One

Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and FBI Director Kash Patel are spearheading the inquiry, which gained momentum after President Trump expressed frustration over public disclosures regarding the jet's vulnerabilities. The scrutiny extends to the Secret Service, with agents who accompanied the President on a recent flight to Turkey subjected to questioning. While some staff members were asked to turn over devices, the Secret Service has advised its personnel to route all inquiries through agency legal counsel.

The administration’s crackdown has spilled into the courts, where the Department of Justice issued subpoenas to four New York Times journalists. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the move, characterizing the reporters as material witnesses rather than targets, and insisted the focus remains on identifying who leaked classified national security information. The newspaper has formally challenged the subpoenas, labeling the legal action abusive.

Security concerns surrounding the Qatari aircraft surfaced during the recent NATO summit in Turkey. After an initial review, officials concluded the plane lacked the advanced defensive systems standard on the existing Air Force One fleet. Despite the administration's push to secure the jet, the President ultimately returned on an older aircraft, a decision officials framed as a precautionary measure to ensure the integrity of presidential transport.