White House launches major leak investigation over Air Force One security concerns

Senior White House officials were asked to hand over their mobile phones as part of an investigation into leaks about security concerns surrounding a Qatari-gifted aircraft intended for use as Air Force One, according to CNN.

The report said White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and FBI Director Kash Patel personally oversaw the investigation after President Donald Trump expressed anger over media reports detailing the aircraft's security shortcomings.

According to CNN, Patel spent several hours working alongside Wiles in the West Wing as investigators sought information from officials involved in the president's overseas travel.

Some officials were asked to surrender their phones, although not all complied.

A White House official told CNN: “Leaks that jeopardize the safety of the President, his staff, and the traveling press pool are dangerous and a threat to national security. The White House takes these leaks seriously and will do everything legally to ensure the individual or individuals are caught and it does not happen again.”

The investigation follows reports that the US Department of Justice issued subpoenas to journalists at The New York Times over stories concerning the aircraft.

According to CNN, concerns over the aircraft's security led Trump to travel on an older presidential aircraft during a recent NATO summit, despite previously promoting the refurbished Qatari jet.

The White House has maintained there were no security concerns with the decision.