The Justice Department agreed Thursday to withdraw subpoenas targeting several New York Times journalists after U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian sharply questioned prosecutors about whether they followed proper procedures in a leak investigation.

The subpoenas were issued after the New York Times published two articles this month detailing a jet gifted to the U.S. by the Qatari government that was being used as Air Force One. Judge Subramanian emphasized that issuing subpoenas to reporters carries a high legal bar and pressed prosecutors on their compliance with department guidelines.

The Justice Department's decision to withdraw the subpoenas marks a significant development in the ongoing tension between press freedom and national security investigations. The case highlights the rigorous standards required when the government seeks information from journalists.