Officials in the White House have been asked to surrender their phones as part of an investigation into a leak concerning Air Force One security during the president's recent trip to the Middle East.
The president flew to Ankara, Turkey, for a NATO summit aboard one presidential aircraft, then departed on a different plane Wednesday night, prompting questions about possible security concerns.
During the summit, the president stated that Iran was plotting to assassinate him and that he was a top target, but he dismissed suggestions that security issues caused the aircraft change.
After flying from Turkey across the Middle East on the older jet, he boarded a newer plane at a British air base. That aircraft had been provided to the United States by Qatar.
When asked about reporters being told to keep window shades down on the flight from Turkey, the president remarked that he was the primary target and joked that the press would be at risk only if he were.
Federal agents later served subpoenas to four journalists after their outlet published details about alleged security shortcomings on the newer aircraft.
Sources familiar with the matter said the plane lacked some advanced defensive systems found on other presidential aircraft. The reporters were ordered to testify before a grand jury in the leak investigation.
White House officials have also come under scrutiny, with some directed to hand over devices to investigators at the request of the chief of staff and the FBI director.
The FBI director was diverted from travel to remain at the White House for roughly seven hours as an investigative effort was organized.
At least one federal agency warned staff that if outside investigators sought information or devices, they should immediately notify agency attorneys.
Investigators are also seeking material from officials who joined the president in Turkey or helped plan the trip, though not all have complied with device requests.
