Democratic Senators Question Acting Attorney General Over NYT Subpoenas Targeting Plane Security Reporting

Democratic senators held a hearing with Justice Department officials on the issue of subpoenas. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was one of the officials questioned. A U.S. attorney also appeared to answer senators' inquiries. The subpoenas were directed at New York Times journalists. Those reporters had published stories about security concerns surrounding the president’s new aircraft. Senators sought to understand the basis for the Justice Department’s actions. The questioning highlighted tensions between the executive branch and the press. The outcome of the hearing could influence future use of subpoenas against media outlets.