Justice Department withdraws subpoenas for New York Times reporters after admitting errors

Former President Donald Trump dramatically altered a civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia within a day of its signing by his own administration. The agreement, finalized by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, initially outlined American assistance for Saudi Arabia's nuclear energy program. However, Trump quickly declared on social media that the deal was contingent on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords and explicitly stated there would be no uranium enrichment, conditions not included in the original signed pact. This sudden reversal reportedly followed internal discord within the White House and criticism from conservative media.

Separately, the Justice Department withdrew subpoenas issued to New York Times reporters. The subpoenas sought testimony regarding the reporters' articles about security issues concerning President Trump's new Air Force One jet, reportedly donated by Qatar.

A federal judge, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, played a pivotal role in the withdrawal, sharply questioning the government's actions and highlighting significant First Amendment and free press concerns. The judge indicated he would quash the subpoenas if they were not voluntarily withdrawn, leading the Justice Department to concede, although they affirmed that the investigation into classified leaks remains active.