On Friday, the New York Times issued a statement responding to President Donald Trump‘s demands that they turn over the name of the anonymous op-ed writer.

“We’re confident that the Department of Justice understands that the First Amendment protects all American citizens and that it would not participate in such a blatant abuse of government power,” the statement began.

It continued on: “The President’s threats both underscore why we must safeguard the identity of the writer of this Op-Ed and serve as a reminder of the importance of a free and independent press to American democracy.”

Earlier this week, Trump demanded that the Times turn over the anonymous op-ed writer, tweeting out: “Does the so-called “Senior Administration Official” really exist, or is it just the Failing New York Times with another phony source? If the GUTLESS anonymous person does indeed exist, the Times must, for National Security purposes, turn him/her over to government at once!”

Does the so-called “Senior Administration Official” really exist, or is it just the Failing New York Times with another phony source? If the GUTLESS anonymous person does indeed exist, the Times must, for National Security purposes, turn him/her over to government at once! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2018

Then, en route to North Dakota on Friday, Trump called specifically for the DOJ to be involved in finding out who was behind the anonymous op-ed.

“I would say Jeff should be investigating who the author of that piece was because I really believe it’s national security,” Trump said aboard Air Force One.

[photo via Getty Images]

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