The U.S. Justice Department has subpoenaed records from New York Times freelance journalist Matthew Cole as part of a leak investigation into a 2025 story detailing a botched 2019 Navy SEALs mission in North Korea. Prosecutors are demanding over two years of Cole's notes and testimony. The move is part of an escalating campaign by the Trump administration against unauthorized disclosures, which has drawn sharp criticism from federal judges, lawmakers, and press freedom advocates.
Matthew Cole subpoena case
- ▪The United States Justice Department subpoenaed freelance journalist Matthew Cole in February 2026 over the sourcing of a 2025 story about a botched U.S. military operation in North Korea.
- ▪The New York Times is paying for Matthew Cole's legal representation, which is being led by attorney David A. O'Neil.
- ▪Virginia prosecutors and FBI agents demanded more than two years of Matthew Cole's professional notes, contacts, and testimony.
North Korea SEAL mission
- ▪The secret 2019 Navy SEALs mission in North Korea aimed to plant an electronic listening device but fell apart when SEALs encountered a North Korean boat and opened fire.
- ▪The 2025 story co-written by Matthew Cole and Dave Philipps detailed a secret 2019 mission where Navy SEALs killed several unarmed North Koreans near the country's coast.
Trump journalist subpoena pattern
- ▪In March 2026, the Trump administration subpoenaed Wall Street Journal reporters seeking sources for an article about the Pentagon's warnings regarding the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.
- ▪The Trump administration previously issued subpoenas to New York Times reporters over articles concerning President Donald Trump's Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet, which were withdrawn in July 2026.
Press freedom concerns
- ▪U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff demanded information regarding the Justice Department's aggressive actions and lack of transparency toward journalists.
- ▪The Committee to Protect Journalists warned that the Trump administration's subpoenas may have a chilling effect on journalists across the United States.
- ▪U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian criticized the government's Air Force One subpoenas, stating that subpoenas to journalists must be a last resort after exhausting all other avenues.
Justice Department national security
- ▪President Donald Trump defended the leak investigations, stating that the administration is targeting government leakers rather than journalists.
- ▪The Justice Department defended its actions, stating it will use all available legal tools to uncover individuals who unlawfully disclose national defense information.
Story comments
Loading comments…