Trump Nominee Signed Subpoenas Targeting New York Times Journalists

President Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence signed subpoenas delivered Friday to New York Times journalists covering security issues with a Qatari-donated Air Force One jet. The subpoenas requested information about the reporting. Progressive groups called on Democrats on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence to oppose the nomination.

Some Democrats on the committee have not stated whether they will support or oppose the nomination. The committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the nomination Wednesday. One committee member previously said the nominee had the right temperament for the role but wanted to question the nominee about whether the position would be used to pursue investigations related to the 2020 election.

A coalition of progressive groups including Indivisible and Reporters Without Borders sent a letter Monday stating the nominee's role in the subpoenas should disqualify the candidate. The groups said some Democrats view the nominee as a more acceptable choice than housing official Bill Pulte, who currently holds the position on a temporary basis.

A senior adviser with the Freedom of the Press Foundation said committee members should question the nominee about the subpoenas during the hearing. The adviser stated that anyone who uses national security claims to demand journalists reveal confidential sources cannot be trusted to lead intelligence agencies.