WATCH: 'We’re not targeting reporters,’ Blanche says after OK'ing subpoenas on AF1 reporting

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department is "not targeting reporters” on Wednesday in response to questioning about New York Times journalists receiving subpoenas for reporting on the defense capabilities of the new Air Force One plane gifted by Qatar. During Blanche's confirmation hearing, Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., raised concerns about the "right of the press to have confidential sources," in light of moves by FBI Director Patel to seek that information. “The question you want to ask them is, who were their sources? That goes to the heart of the First Amendment,” Welch said. “The question we want to ask them is, who provided them with classified national security information, which everybody in this body should want to protect,” Blanche said. “I would hope.” Watch PBS News for daily, breaking and live news, plus special coverage. We are home to PBS News Hour, ranked the most credible and objective TV news show. Newsletters: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/subscribe PBS News podcasts: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/podcasts Stream your PBS favorites with the PBS app: https://to.pbs.org/2Jb8twG Find more from PBS News at https://www.pbs.org/newshour Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2HfsCD6 Follow us: TikTok:   / pbsnews   X:   / newshour   Instagram:   / newshour   Facebook: http://www.pbs.org/newshour