The White House has launched an intensive investigation into the leak of classified security concerns surrounding a Qatari-donated aircraft intended for use as Air Force One, with some officials reportedly asked to hand over their mobile phones to investigators, sources familiar with the matter have revealed.
The probe was personally overseen by White House Chief of Staff and FBI Director , who sources said helped coordinate the effort after President expressed anger over reports detailing security concerns about the aircraft.
According to sources, the investigation intensified after reports emerged about weaknesses linked to the $400 million Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar, which Trump had promoted as a future presidential aircraft.
The leak inquiry reportedly created tension across government agencies, with at least one federal body warning employees that if they were contacted by outside investigators seeking information or devices, they should immediately consult agency lawyers.
Sources said Patel, who was preparing to travel to Chicago, was redirected to the White House on Friday to take a direct role in the investigation. He reportedly worked from an office near Wiles’ in the West Wing for several hours as officials established what one source described as a “war room.”
Investigators sought information from officials involved in Trump’s overseas travel, including those who had access to details about the aircraft and security arrangements. Some officials complied with requests to provide their phones, while others did not, according to sources.
The move has drawn criticism from press freedom advocates and government watchdogs, who argue that the White House’s involvement in a Justice Department-led investigation raises concerns about the independence of law enforcement agencies.
The controversy also comes after the Justice Department issued subpoenas seeking information from journalists at who reported on security issues surrounding the aircraft. The newspaper has challenged the subpoenas in court, describing them as an attack on press freedom.
David McCraw, the newspaper’s top newsroom lawyer, said the organisation had filed a motion to block what it called “abusive and improper subpoenas” issued against its journalists.
The security concerns surrounding the Qatari aircraft became a major political issue after Trump announced that the plane would be sent ahead to Mildenhall Air Base in the United Kingdom before his departure from a NATO summit in Turkey.
Trump said the decision was to allow American service members stationed at the base to tour the aircraft, dismissing suggestions that security concerns influenced the decision.
However, sources told CNN that after Trump travelled to Turkey, security assessments changed, and Wiles informed him that he would need to return on an older presidential aircraft.
Officials said the Qatari plane had been modified with some defensive capabilities but was still considered less secure than the existing Air Force One aircraft, which was specifically designed with advanced protection systems for presidential travel.
One official described the aircraft’s introduction into service as “rushed,” noting that two replacement Air Force One jets already under contract have faced delays and are not expected to be completed until at least 2028 due to extensive military requirements, classified communication systems, defensive technology and pilot training.
The exact differences between the security capabilities of the two aircraft remain unclear. Aviation experts who reviewed images of the Qatari jet told CNN that some external features associated with missile defence systems appeared absent, though they cautioned that visible differences do not confirm whether specific security systems are installed.
The White House defended the investigation, saying leaks that could endanger the president, staff members or travelling journalists pose a national security risk.
“The White House takes these leaks seriously and will do everything legally possible to ensure those responsible are identified and prevent future incidents,” a White House official said.
