A leak investigation has disrupted the White House, with aides initiating an internal probe to identify the source of disclosures concerning security vulnerabilities in a new aircraft designated for presidential use. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and FBI Director Kash Patel are reportedly leading the inquiry.
Sources familiar with the matter told CNN that investigators have demanded that officials surrender their personal phones on White House grounds as part of the probe. The investigation was reportedly triggered by former President Donald Trump's anger over reports detailing the security flaws in the aircraft, which was a gift from Qatar.
The intensified scrutiny has reportedly caused concern across federal agencies. One source indicated that a federal agency sent an email to its staff, instructing them to immediately contact their agency's legal counsel if contacted by outside agencies seeking information.
FBI Director Patel reportedly diverted his scheduled travel to Chicago to return to Washington and take a direct role in the investigation. Patel and Wiles were observed working together for approximately seven hours in an office adjacent to Wiles's, described by one source as a "war room" within the West Wing.
The leaks in question reportedly contributed to a New York Times report that subsequently led the Justice Department to issue subpoenas to four journalists. These journalists had previously reported on the security concerns surrounding the new presidential aircraft.
Investigators are reportedly questioning staff who traveled with Trump or were involved in organizing the trip, drawing in officials from multiple government agencies. However, not all officials have reportedly complied with requests to hand over their personal devices.
The aircraft in question, a high-end jet, was donated to the Pentagon by the State of Qatar last year. The approximately $400 million gift drew immediate scrutiny over potential national security threats, legal challenges, and ethical concerns, though the White House had previously dismissed these issues.
In parallel efforts to address leaks, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the Pentagon and the Department of Justice have formed a joint task force to investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for leaking information. Hegseth stated that the Defense Department's Office of General Counsel will have the authority to access information across the Pentagon related to media leak investigations. He emphasized that leaked information can endanger lives and that new measures are being implemented to protect personnel, asserting that betrayers of trust would face legal consequences.